Shakespeare's Macbeth. Evolution in the friendship of Banquo and Macbeth

Cover illustration: (c) Rafael Mir. Thank you, Master Mir.

A few days ago I was reviewing the magnificent version of Macbeth by Jo Nesbø. I spoke of a literary essay what I did in my college days of student of F. Inglesa which obviously included the study of the work of Shakespeare. Highlighted Macbeth like me preferred title and highlighted what in its day most attracted me to this classic: the friendship between the protagonist and his captain Banquo and how it evolves. And the thing is that, perhaps more than Macbeth or Lady Macbeth, I liked Banquo above all and also the character of mcduff.

I have been able to rescue that essay in a fierce search exercise among a thousand saved papers. The original, also obviously, was in Saxon which I have translated. So with those humble student lines written over 20 years ago, I hope bring this immortal work a little closer to readers.

Introduction

The evolution in the friendship of these two characters it is one of the most important factors at the beginning of the Macbeth tragedy, regardless of the protagonist's own ambition. Everything is a consequence derived from the Three Witches prophecies and Macbeth's vulnerability against them that it is not caused by simple superstition, but by that ambition that moves him to so many later bad actions.

Macbeth mistakes the fact that the two prophecies have been true because that leads him to think about his power to get what he wants using his own methods. So the customer, the most important concept in Macbeth's life, to the king duncan and his friends, in this case, to bench, disappears completely. Macbeth gets corrupted and breaks all his oaths, stops trusting everyone, often even himself.

However, what this is about is the evolution in that friendship of Macbeth and Banquo from the point of view of the second, although it is Macbeth who breaks it, by his ambition and fear, by killing his friend.

Meta

The structure of the Macbeth tragedy is very simple. The greatness of the protagonist is already established: is tempted, falls into that temptation and is destroyed by it. The same thing could have happened to Banquo. His loyalty to Macbeth and their friendship could have led him down the same path, even stepping over his friend. if he heeded or followed the prophecies of the Witches on his children, who will become kings, but not him.

It can be understood that this possible access to the throne makes you think about it, but Banquo does not act because he realizes that any temptation can backfire and betray oneself. However, he helps Macbeth in his purposes by always remaining by his side. So, Banquo's main virtue is loyalty in good and bad, despite the fact that at some point he complains about it and is jealous of Macbeth's fate.

But to see how Banquo's character develops, you have to follow some points:

1. Banquo's reaction during the first encounter with the Witches

Before meeting them Macbeth and Banquo have all worked out. It has been proven courage and pride in battle against the Norwegian king's army and thus reaches the ears of King Duncan, who decides to reward Macbeth with the title of one of the defeated.

But then, after returning from battle, Banquo is the first who sees the Witches and asks who they are without showing them no fear. However, the Witches only respond with praise and omens for Macbeth, who remains without saying a word and waiting. Hearing that, Banquo is still unafraid and, what's more, asks why are they not prophesied to him such honors as Macbeth and demands an answer, showing by the tone of his words that he is not scared:

... I do not request their favors or their hatred, but I am not afraid of them.

There it is seen that in contrast to the muteness of Macbeth, Banquo not impressed With those surprising messages, he questions the words of the Witches. They give you an answer that is not so good for the present, but for a future moment.

Less big than Macbeth and bigger than him!

Not so happy and yet so much happier!

And so it will be because will become greater than Macbeth thanks to this loyalty and dignity. And although he will be assassinated, his death will not be as tragic as Macbeth's. Furthermore, the prediction of being the parent of a line of inheritance to the throne will be fulfilled with his son flance. Therefore, despite his death, Banquo will be more fortunate.

So when the Witches leave and Macbeth is left thinking about what has happened and wishing he had been told something more, the two friends wonder what they have seen and heard. They have a first dialogue in which they talk about what is going to become of them. This is the first step for your future separation. Because even though it is just a talk about what happened, later they will realize what it really means.

2. The possible fall of Banquo to the temptation of the prophecies

Having informed him of his appointment as Baron of Glamis and Cawdor, two of the Witches' prophecies, Macbeth is blinded by ambition to get the crown, since that was not prophesied to him, and he will not stop thinking about her. Banquo will only talk about the state of mind that he notices in his friend from that moment and tells him that will always follow. Macbeth, seeing that, decides to talk to him later when everything is clearer and calmer.

From that point to assassination of King Duncan in Macbeth's castle there is only one step, despite the protagonist's insecurities, which needs the courage of his wife, Lady Macbeth, to commit the crime. Earlier, while Macbeth is pondering his betrayal, he has another brief conversation with Banquo, who is there in the company of his son Fleance. Macbeth reiterates that when they have time, they will talk about the prophecies again. Banquo agrees, repeating to Macbeth that he is in his service and remains loyal to the king.

But they won't talk anymore and the murder of the king at the hands of Macbeth will remain hidden from everyone. So Banquo is the first you want clarify the reasons for that death and look for any possible conspiracy. Those words will make Macbeth panic and afraid of him.

However, Banquo also begins to suspect Macbeth, once he has achieved the crown and reigns with his wife. This is expressed in the short monologue which leads the first scene of the third act. Banquo refers to how Macbeth has accomplished all that the prophecies announced to him, but fears that his friend's methods are reprehensible and driven by betrayal and ambition. And he wonders again, as in the encounter with the Witches, about Macbeth's success and not his own.

… Why shouldn't they also be an oracle for me and give me hope?

Here banquo still maintains some confidence that what was announced for him will be fulfilled and maintains his loyalty now to Macbeth as their king. But, also as Macbeth did, Banquo could have thought of the same betrayal of his friend because of that same misunderstanding of Macbeth's privileges. However, his reaction does not go further. Only he complains of Macbeth's foul play to seize the crown and power.

3. Reasons Macbeth thinks he has to kill Banquo

That's when Macbeth feels in danger. Now he is the king, but he is also aware of the way in which he has achieved it and begins to trust nothing, so of course the one he fears the most is Banquo.

All of this is clearly seen in the macbeth monologue in the first scene of the third act. Macbeth knows of Banquo's integrity and his correct mindset that makes him act with great confidence in himself. These are the words:

It is useless to be sovereign in this way; security has to accompany me seriously. My misgivings at Banquo increase; and it is precisely in his control of his character that what can be feared from him; much is what he dares; and the indomitable temper of his mind accompanies a sanity that guides his courage to manifest himself wisely. Nobody but him intimidates me […].

Therefore, Macbeth considers Banquo a great threat to his reign. Even more so when he thinks back to the prophecies that, despite giving him the crown and immediate power, there is also a reward for Banquo but much more lasting as the father of a royal line while he was not told about that matter. So Macbeth realizes that if that happens it is because he has helped make it come true, by becoming with the throne to leave it to the sons of Banquo, thanks to his own corruption:

[…] I have corrupted my soul for the descendants of Banquo […].

In consecuense, must cut with that originI mean, he has to kill Banquo and of course his son flance. Macbeth will do so, but by some hitmen to those who lie telling them that Banquo is their enemy. If Banquo is still alive, Macbeth and his kingdom will not be safe at all.

Banquo is murdered, but not his son. The prophecy will be fulfilled and then tragedy will begin for Macbeth. This occurs in the fourth scene of the third act, when at Macbeth's banquet he is informed of Banquo's death and Fleance's flight, so he worries again until the tragic end.

In this very scene Banquo's ghost appears to him, who walks in and sits on the throne as a sign that your children will soon be the ones to occupy it. It is what causes the beginning of Macbeth's madness. For some experts of the work this ghost that only he sees is the personification of the fears and terrors of Macbeth.

To finish

We could find a third aspect which is the influence Banquo might have had on Macbeth. They are together all the time, and although Banquo remains true to his principles he also hides them from Macbeth, because he is not sure about the murder of King Duncan at his hands to get the throne. And, like Macbeth, he also thinks about prophecies. Therefore, If his friend does not get the throne, he will not be the father of kings either, so he prefers to leave things as they are. However, it is possible that he could have influenced Macbeth's actions.

Ultimately, the evolution of this friendship is marked by prophecies, By the final destination and for a great difference in the value of the ambition for each of the characters.

  • About the illustrator Rafa Mir everything here.

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