Macbeth And Banquo's Relationship

In the play Macbeth, written by William Shakespeare the key relationship between Macbeth and Banquo is explored. By exploring the relationship it helped me understand these characters better. Specifically, Shakespeare wrote about friendship, loss of trust and betrayal which further helped me understand the characters.

At the start of the play, Macbeth and Banquo’s relationship is genuine and friend-like. When introduced, they both are shown as noblemen and brave soldiers that fought side by side for King Duncan, as shown when he states, ‘Our captains, Macbeth and Banquo.” A1 S2. Within the text Banquo is seen regarding Macbeth as a “Good sir,” The use of “Good” when regarding Macbeth indicates that Banquo thinks of Macbeth as a friend. Furthermore, from line 51-54 Act 1 Scene 3, in conjunction with saying “Good sir,” he also talks to Macbeth using iambic pentameter, iambic pentameter is a rhythmic structure

He states, ”It is concluded. Banquo, thy soul’s flight,/if it find heaven, must find it out tonight.” This quote shows that Macbeth is going to murder Banquo by saying Banquo is going to find out if he is going to heaven or hell. Macbeth has decided to murder Banquo as he believes that he will become a threat to his Kingship and ambition as Banquo’s sons will become Kings said by the prophecies and because Banquo knows too much about his tyrannical stage as King. Furthermore, in Act 3 Scene 3, we read that one of Banquo’s last words were, “Thou mayst revenge. O slave!” This quote is important to understand as it gives us a final insight to the relationship. Macbeth has betrayed Banquo by assassinating him, on the other hand, Banquo wants revenge as he seeks to harm the person who harmed him. They both betray each other. This final betrayal draws a line through their relationship as one key person has died, leaving just only one, meaning the relationship has