Banquo Passage

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Banquo delivers this passage in Act Three, Scene One. In the form of a soliloquy, the passage acts as both a summary of the last few key events of the play, as well as a demonstration of Banquo’s internal thought process and conflict. Nearing the beginning of the play, Banquo and Macbeth are confronted by three witches in the forest who deliver apparent prophecies to the pair. The prophecies delivered to Macbeth included three key aspects: To become the Thane of Glamis and Cawdor, as well as becoming the eventual King of Scotland. As for Banquo, his key prophecy was that he would become the father and root for a line of many kings to come. Through this quotation, Banquo is able to express his inner thoughts and concerns regarding the prophecies he and Macbeth had received. He feels as though Macbeth comes to these fortunes with seemingly utmost convenience, prompting Banquo to grow increasingly suspicious of the extent that Macbeth had gone to in order to achieve the …show more content…

However, soon after Banquo’s speech comes to a conclusion, various characters and ensembles such as: lords, ladies, attendants, Lenox, Ross, Lady Macbeth, and Macbeth make their strides onto the stage. Immediately after entering the stage, Macbeth approaches Banquo and questions him on his whereabouts for the coming evening, seemingly inviting him to supper. However, at this point in the play, Macbeth is aware that whether or not Banquo’s prophecy comes true, he will only complicate things. If it does, Macbeth will have to lose the crown to Banquo’s heir, and if it doesn't, Banquo will certainly realize the corrupt ways that Macbeth has forced these prophecies. Courtesy of the possible complications regarding Banquo, Macbeth concludes that he must get rid of Banquo and his son, Fleance. So, instead of genuinely inviting Banquo to supper, Macbeth is only trying to sort and develop a plan to rid himself of Banquo and

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