Macbeth, the tragic story written by Shakespeare. In which involved Macbeth and Banquo, who were two of the many characters in the story of Macbeth. Throughout both of their actions and behaviors, they have demonstrated what kind of characters they really were. Both were different but yet also very similar. Between Macbeth and Banquos struggles, battles and events they have portrayed several concepts displaying the comparisons between them. Perhaps many more differences than similarities. The differences are in their reactions, choices and personalities and traits.
Both characters had different reactions of the aspects regarding the witches prophecies. Macbeth first heard about the witches when they were welcoming him as he arrived. At first, he tried ignoring them as he thought that what they were saying were false. The more he listened, the more confused he became as he demanded for the witches to explain more. “Stay, you imperfect speakers, tell me more” (1.3.72). But when Macbeth was given the titles of King of Scotland and Thane of Cawdor, he believed that the predictions were indeed true. But really, the words that the witches spoke to him encouraged Macbeth to kill the King to make himself the name of that title. “If chance have me king why, chance may crown me without my stir” (1.3.56-58). Once the action was done, it was granted to him. On the other hand, Banquos reaction to the witches prophecies was that it was true since Macbeth did eventually become King. witches told him he would father a line of kings, which was what he hoped to happen. “Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none” (1.3.69). But later on he became suspicious about the topic. His thoughts switched when he came to a realization that the prophecies were completely false as he suspected that Macbeth became King only because Duncan was killed and Macbeth was in fact the murderer. So, Banquo knew that Macbeth unfairly received the title by him committing a crime as well as making it become true upon his foul action. Because of this, they’re were differences in their reactions of the prophecies.
Both characters had different choices regarding about how the choices that they made, made a great influence on their lives. Macbeth was able to make choices on certain situations but ended up making the bad ones which ended tragically. Specifically about the murders he committed. It first started off with Macbeth’s vision of the dagger pointing directly at Duncan. “Is this a dagger, which I see before me, The handle toward my hand? Come, let me touch thee” (2.2.42-43). That vision was clearly meant to make Macbeth question himself if the crime should’ve or shouldn’t of been committed. But, he made his own choice to commit the crime. “I go, and it is done. The bell invites me. Hear it not, Duncan, for it is a knell That summons thee to heaven, or to hell” (2.1.70-73). As for Banquo, he did not make bad choices even after he was told that he would father a line of kings. He didn’t choose to commit and murders to make his prophecy come true, nor did it ever cross his mind to do so. In result of all of their choices, each had a different mind set when choosing their path.
Both characters have shown that they had different personalities and traits throughout the play. Macbeth was suffering with guilt, greed, fear, anger hatred and suspicion. So much suspicion that he had the nerve to get the murderers to kill Banquo. “For Banquos issue have i filed my mind, For them the gracious Duncan have i murdered” (3.1.71-71). Macbeth had more of an evil ambition compared to Banquo. Banquos ambition did not lead to betrayal or murders. “Merciful powers, Restrain in me the cursed thoughts that nature Gives way to in repose” (2,1,10-11). He had ambitious thoughts, but never brought them into action like Macbeth did. Banquo was loyal and faithful. He stayed loyal to the king as well as the new king when Duncan was murdered. Macbeth was also more interested in having total power than Banquo was. Macbeth’s greed for power was insane compared to Banquos.
In conclusion, many of these examples showed how different Macbeth and Banquo were when it came to their reactions, choices and personalities and traits. The contrast displayed how Macbeth was foul and Banquo was fair. Unfortunately these differences resulted in Banquos death.
JESSICA AITCHISON 