Although, like Macbeth, he is ambitious, he thinks more carefully about the consequences of any action. Act 1 Scene 3. Having listened to the Witches' predictions, Banquo recognises that Macbeth has been given the spark that will have lit up his ambitious streak 'enkindle'.
He also realises that the predictions are temptations which only reveal part of the truth 'honest trifles'. This is in order to set a trap for something of greater significance 'to betray's in deepest consequence'. Banquo and his son Fleance are in the courtyard of Macbeth's castle, and Fleance is carrying a torch. Banquo asks Fleance, "How goes the night, boy?
He's not asking Fleance how he's doing; he's asking how late it is. Fleance hasn't heard a clock strike, but the moon is down, so it must be past midnight.
Banquo then hands his sword to Fleance, who is apparently serving as his father's squire. Banquo also gives Fleance something else, perhaps the belt and sheath for the sword.
The moon is down, the night is starless, and there are no street lights in Macbeth's castle. In short, it's darker than any dark most of us have ever seen. And within this dark is fear. Banquo is dead tired and feels as heavy as lead, but he's fighting sleep because he's afraid of his own thoughts or dreams. A little later he says that he has dreamed of the weird sisters, so maybe he's been thinking about their prophecies. Perhaps he fears that Macbeth is planning murder. What convinces Macbeth that the Witches' prophecy is true?
Why does Banquo not trust the Witches? Why does Macbeth believe he needs to kill King Duncan? Why does Macbeth kill King Duncan's two chamberlains? Why does Macbeth kill Banquo? How does Lady Macbeth's death affect Macbeth? What convinces Macbeth that he is invincible over Macduff's army? How does the Witches' prophecy about Banquo come true? Summary Act 2, scenes 1—2. Previous section Act 1, scenes Next section Act 2, scenes 3—4.
Read a translation Read a translation of Act 2, Scene 1. Read a translation Read a translation of Act 2, Scene 2.
Popular pages: Macbeth. Macbeth and his wife seem to have traded roles. As he talks to the murderers, Macbeth adopts the same rhetoric that Lady Macbeth used to convince him to murder in Act 1, scene 7. He questions their manhood in order to make them angry, and their desire to murder Banquo and Fleance grows out of their desire to prove themselves to be men.
In the scene with Lady Macbeth that follows, Macbeth again echoes her previous comments. It is difficult to believe that the woman who now attempts to talk her husband out of committing more murders is the same Lady Macbeth who earlier spurred her husband on to slaughter.
Just as he begins to echo her earlier statements, she references his. Both characters seem shocked and dismayed that possessing the crown has not rid them of trouble or brought them happiness. Each murder Macbeth commits or commissions is intended to bring him security and contentment, but the deeper his arms sink in blood, the more violent and horrified he becomes.
The play now builds inexorably toward its end. Ace your assignments with our guide to Macbeth! SparkTeach Teacher's Handbook. Are the Witches in Macbeth real? Did Macbeth always want to be king?
Why does Macbeth think the Witches want to help him?
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