Macbeth: A Discussion of Banquo's Ghost

In Shakespeare's play, Macbeth, the appearance of Banquo's ghost plays an important role. But it also leaves us to wonder if it is a sign of Macbeth's failing sanity, or an actual apparition appearing to frighten Macbeth. Closer examination shows evidence that this is indeed a figment of Macbeth's imagination. First, it is not the first, but the third, or arguably, the fourth time Macbeth has seen or heard was isn't there. His wife too, will have struggles along the same lines. In addition, it can be argued and demonstrated the Macbeth had lost his sanity before this point. And in a broader view, we see that the ghost of Banquo is treated much differently than ghosts used in Shakespeare's other works are.

Banquo's ghost appears in act 3 scene 4 of the play. It comes and leaves a couple times. It sits in Macbeth's seat, yet his comrades call for Macbeth to take the same spot. (III 4, ll. 37-46) This establishes that only Macbeth can see the ghost. The ghost is bloody, as is consistent with Shakespearean era ghosts, as established by the "gory locks." (II 4, l. 48) This whole vision takes place shortly after Macbeth had his friend murdered by three men. It is also important to note that the ghost never utters a sound, an important difference between him and Shakespeare's other ghosts, as will be established later.

The first illusion that Macbeth sees is that of a dagger, floating in the air and convincing him to commit the foul act of murder. Macbeth, at this point, is still together enough to realize what this dagger is. He says, speaking to the dagger, "Art thou but a dagger of the mind, a false creation, proceeding from the heat oppressed brain?" (II.1, ll. 38-40) Not only does he see a blade at this point,...

... middle of paper ...

...and the message was trivial at best. But the fact is that there was a message, which sets a very distinct pattern for how Shakespeare uses ghost. Since Macbeth's ghost fails to deliver any message at all, and since it breaks the norm and is only seen by him, we can conclude that Shakespeare did not think of this as an actual ghost, but as a sign of Macbeth's guilt haunting him.

Alone, none of these would establish the non-reality of the ghost. But when we consider Macbeth's questionable sanity we begin to wonder. Add to that his previous illusions, and the illusion his wife later suffers, and serious doubt as to the actuality of the ghost is raised. Add in the literary difference in this ghost from Shakespeare's others, and there is clear support that Banquo himself never returned to haunt Macbeth, but that the only thing haunting him was a guilty conscience.