Banquo's Prophecies In Macbeth

The Tragedy of Macbeth, a tragedy written by William Shakespeare, is set during the time Vikings ruled Scotland. It was the end of the tribal system and a new beginning of feudalism. Macbeth, throughout the beginning of the play, is a very indecisive person. However, as the tragedy continues, he becomes less indecisive and more impulsive. Macbeth’s reaction to the witches’ prophecies are different than Banquo’s reaction to the prophecies. In The Tragedy of Macbeth, the witches’ also known as the “weird sisters”. Two main purpose of the witches are to prepare audience for Macbeth and give the keynote of the play, “Fair is foul, and foul is fair” (1.1.10). The keynote reveals a major theme appearance vs. reality. Macbeth’s first words immediately connect him to the key note: “So foul and fair a day I have not seen” (1.3.38). As soon as the witches see Macbeth they start spilling out the prophecies: “All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Glamis!” (1.3.48). The witches also conclude Banquo in the prophecy: “Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none. /So all hail, Macbeth and Banquo!” (1.3.67-68). Banquo and Macbeth both respond differently to the

He really does not believe them. Banquo is more concerned about the withes’ motives than Macbeth. Banquo considers that the reasons for the witches are not honorable: “And often times, to win us to our harm, /The instruments of darkness tell us truths, / Win us with honest trifles, to betray’s / In deepest consequence” (1.3.123-126). Banquo’s cautious ways come out before the witches’ prophecy: “What are these/ So withered, and so wild in their attire,/That look not like th’ inabitants o’ th’ earth,/ And yet are on’t? Live you, or are you aught/ That man may question?” (1.3. 39-43). Banquo expresses doubt and distrust about the witches and their prophecies. Banquo’s reasonable reaction to the witches’ prophecy greatly differs from Macbeth’s