Banquo's Fight Scene Analysis

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My prop is a pocket watch, but inside there is also a compass. On the cover of the latch. the scotland flag is painting on, and it is about 2 inches wide and .5 inches thick. It is made of gold and contains roman numerals. The watch was past down by many generations, so Banquo had received the watch by his father. It has a lot of sentimental value to Banquo. He keeps it with him for comfort, and it creates a sense of connection between his father and him. Banquo is a brave soldier, curious observer, honorable captain, and a comfortable and confident noble. As a captain of King Duncan’s military, he must have keen senses and be aware of his surroundings. His advanced sense of direction, focus, and observations allow him to complete his duties. …show more content…

In this scene, Banquo takes the watch out of his pocket and opens it to see what direction they are going. At that moment, it will engage the audience and help them to understand the setting of the scene. The audience will rely on Banquo to give them this information, and see him as the navigator. Also in Act 1, Scene 1, Macbeth says (in an aside), “Time and the hour runs through the roughest day.” which is the exact moment where Banquo will check the time using his watch. At that moment, it will suggest Banquo’s close relationship with Macbeth, since they think alike, as well as his focus on keeping track of reality in the midst of what is fantastical. In Act 2, Scene 1, when Banquo is giving his son, Fleance, his sword, he will take the watch out of his pocket and give it to him. It would symbolize how Banquo is passing down his power through his most prized possession. At that moment, the audience will understand that Banquo does believe in the prophecy (his sons will be kings), and that he is willing to sacrifice something he loves for his children. It also foreshadows potential tragedy, since Banquo hands over the watch at this moment--perhaps before anything terrible happens to …show more content…

During the witches encounter with Macbeth and Banquo, Banquo’s statement that, “To me you speak not. If you can look into the seeds of time and say which grain will grow and which will not, speak, then, to me,” (1.3.61-63) proves his desire for answers and need for understanding. The fact that Banquo wishes for the witches to “look into the seeds of time” suggests his longing for more information on his own prophecy. Shakespeare uses grain, a familiar symbol of agriculture, to symbolize the uncertainty of the prophecy (in need of interpretation), similar to how nature unpredictable. Since Banquo “neither beg[s] nor fear[s]” (1.3.63) the telling of his own prophecy, his willingness to seek more knowledge beyond what is given it evident. In addition to his curiosity, Banquo is proved to be a sensible and conscientious observer. After Ross had told Macbeth he was given the title “Thane of Cawdor”, Banquo states that “tis strange”-- confirming his ability to rationalize a situation as well as question what seems unnatural. Banquo’s assertion that,“to win us to our harm, the instruments of darkness tell us truths [...]---” (1.3.135-138) indicates his suspicion for the prophecy. Shakespeare uses “instruments of darkness” to symbolize the dark magic and evil of the witches,

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