Essay type questions

1. Can you detail the conspiracy devised against Banquo and his son Fleance?

Answer: Macbeth orchestrates a plot involving two hired murderers to eliminate

Banquo and Fleance. He engages in a secretive dialogue with these murderers after
confirming Banquo’s activities for the day, particularly his attendance at the banquet
celebrating Macbeth’s coronation. Macbeth revisits their previous discussion,
challenging their perception of Banquo. He asserts that their misfortunes were caused
by Banquo, not him, and he had previously substantiated this claim. Macbeth’s
persuasion leads the murderers to consider revenge. He questions if they are forgiving
enough to overlook their grievances and bless the one responsible for their low societal
status. The murderers, affirming their human nature and inclination towards revenge,
agree to Macbeth’s plan. Macbeth further incites them by comparing men to various
dog breeds, each with distinct traits, and challenges their manliness. Convinced of
their degraded state and eager for a change, the murderers consent to eliminate
Banquo. Macbeth explains his indirect approach to avoid public criticism and losing
allies shared with Banquo. The murderers, now fully persuaded, prepare to carry out
the assassination of Banquo and Fleance as instructed by Macbeth.

2. What are the specific reasons for Macbeth’s desire to eliminate Banquo and his
son Fleance?

Answer: Macbeth’s decision to murder Banquo and Fleance stems from his deep-
seated insecurities and ambition for power. He is acutely aware that Banquo’s
presence and the prophecy of the witches – stating that Banquo’s lineage would rule –
jeopardize his hold on the throne. Banquo’s distinguished character and his son
Fleance become significant threats in Macbeth’s perspective. To remove these threats,
Macbeth plots their murders, choosing to use hired killers to avoid direct involvement
and the resultant fallout with mutual acquaintances. This plan marks a turning point in
Macbeth’s moral decay; he no longer seeks counsel from his wife and becomes
increasingly autonomous in his criminal endeavours. His actions reveal a profound
transformation into a seasoned criminal, devoid of guilt and solely focused on
consolidating his power.
Extras 1.

What are Banquo’s first words in the scene and what do they reveal about his
character?

Answer: Banquo’s first words are “Thou hast it now: king, Cawdor, Glamis, all”. This
reveals he knows the prophecy has come true for Macbeth, showing his wisdom and
perceptiveness. Banquo displays insight into how events have unfolded, indicating his
thoughtfulness and observational skills which let him connect the dots regarding
Macbeth’s rapid rise to power. Though some suspicion arises in his mind, Banquo does
not automatically assume the worst but continues to watch events carefully before
making judgments. He shows balance in not jumping to conclusions despite the
shocking speed of Macbeth’s ascent.

2. How does Banquo react when he first hears the witches’ prophecies come true
for Macbeth?

Answer: Banquo reacts with fear, saying “I fear, Thou play’dst most foully for’t”. This
suggests he suspects Macbeth’s foul play in achieving the crown. Banquo intuits that
Macbeth has resorted to sinister means to gain the kingship, provoking unease and
wariness in Banquo about how far his friend has gone to fulfill ambitious ends. Still,
Banquo does not directly accuse Macbeth but leaves room for doubt, again
demonstrating prudent hesitation rather than impulsive reactions.

3. Why does Banquo say “But hush! No more” after initially pondering the witches’
prophecies?

Answer: Banquo stops himself from pondering the witches’ prophecy further, showing
self-restraint and self-awareness. He does not let ambition consume him.

4. Why does Lady Macbeth say Banquo’s absence from the feast would be
“unbecoming”? What does this tell us about her?

Answer: Lady Macbeth says Banquo’s absence would be improper and disgraceful,
showing her pretending to welcome Banquo while knowing of the plan to kill him.

5. What future plan does Macbeth tell Banquo about? Why doesn’t he give more
details?
Answer: Macbeth tells Banquo they will discuss state affairs more tomorrow. He does
not give details because he secretly plans for Banquo to be dead by then.

6. Why does Macbeth ask Banquo if he is going riding that afternoon? What is
Macbeth’s real motive?

Answer: Macbeth asks this to discover Banquo’s location so he can arrange his
murder. His motive is pretending friendliness to hide evil intent.

7. What does Macbeth’s “to be thus…” soliloquy reveal about his state of mind?

Answer: The soliloquy shows Macbeth’s mind is fearful, obsessive about perceived
threats to his power, and murderously ambitious at all costs. Macbeth spirals inward
showing intense paranoia about his position. He fixates specifically on Banquo as an
embodiment of noble values which accentuate his own corrupted soul. The contrast
eats at Macbeth, driving him to violently remove all possible rivals. His rambling,
fragmented speech suggests potential madness has set in as his mind deteriorates
under the weight of his crimes.

8. Why does Macbeth fear Banquo so much? Provide two reasons from the text.

Answer: Macbeth fears Banquo because of his nobility (“royalty of nature”) and the
prophecy that his sons will be kings, which threatens Macbeth power.

9. Whose “royalty of nature” intimidates Macbeth? Why?

Answer: Banquo’s noble character/wisdom intimidates Macbeth as it highlights his

own corrupted soul and makes his crime more apparent.

10. Who does Macbeth compare himself to when expressing fear of Banquo? Why
this person?

Answer: Macbeth compares himself to Mark Antony fearing Caesar, suggesting Banquo
has heroic potential to challenge his rule as Caesar’s rival did.

11. How did Macbeth’s relationship with Lady Macbeth change?

Answer: Macbeth no longer includes Lady Macbeth in his plots, signalling his
independence from needing her guidance as he grows in ambitious violence. Once
reliant on his wife’s counsel, Macbeth has developed his own agency to scheme and
murder on his own without her input. This shift subtly points to Lady Macbeth’s fading
relevancy as Macbeth descends irrevocably into blood-drenched tyranny.