Banquo A Direct Contrast To Macbeth
Banquo A Direct Contrast To Macbeth
Banquo is a very interesting character in Shakespeare's Macbeth. In the play, he is depicted as a person capable of ambition but does not resort to unscrupulous means to get there. He provides a breath of fresh air to the gloominess that seems to permeate the entire story. Banquo's character seems intended to show a direct contrast to Macbeth. He represents the path Macbeth deviates from: a path not characterized by betrayal and murder. This is probably the reason why in the latter part of the story, it is Banquo's ghost and not King Duncan's who haunts Macbeth. Banquo's innocence reminds Macbeth's of his crimes.
Banquo is cautious by nature. He ...
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exercises self-control. He does not support evil while Macbeth falls prey to it. This may appear to be Banquo's essential traits but his motives though seem, at certain points, unclear. For instance, after they met the witches, Banquo thinks that the Witches are evil, "What, can the devil speak true?" He also warns Macbeth. "And oftentimes, to win us to our harm, The instruments of darkness tell us truths ..." Yet, later in Act II, Sc.i, Banquo is not as unperturbed as it seems as he turns out to be struggling with temptations too, "...merciful powers Restrain me in the cursed thoughts that nature Gives ways to in repose".
The biggest difference between Banquo's reactions to the prophecies with that of Macbeth is Banquo's evil thoughts manifest in dreams while Macbeth's evil plots occupy even his waking moments, consuming him.
After King Duncan was murdered in his sleep, Banquo assumes leadership and calls for an investigation. He states that he is on the side of right, ...
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Banquo A Direct Contrast To Macbeth. (2012, August 5). Retrieved June 20, 2025, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Banquo-A-Direct-Contrast-To-Macbeth/101334
"Banquo A Direct Contrast To Macbeth." Essayworld.com. Essayworld.com, 5 Aug. 2012. Web. 20 Jun. 2025. <http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Banquo-A-Direct-Contrast-To-Macbeth/101334>
"Banquo A Direct Contrast To Macbeth." Essayworld.com. August 5, 2012. Accessed June 20, 2025. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Banquo-A-Direct-Contrast-To-Macbeth/101334.
"Banquo A Direct Contrast To Macbeth." Essayworld.com. August 5, 2012. Accessed June 20, 2025. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Banquo-A-Direct-Contrast-To-Macbeth/101334.
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