SH+P5+2014-15+Banquo+(King+James+cousin)

Cultural (Genevieve):

Banquo began as an ally of Macbeth but was later killed by Macbeth because he seen as a risk to his rise in power. The author, William Shakespeare, based his story and characters on previous historical events and stories published by other. Banquo was one of the few characters that was taken straight from the chronicle that was previously published. Shakespeare changed the role that he played in Holinshed’s Chronicles to a character that would appeal to the king. One site says, “ In Chronicles Banquo is an accomplice to Macbeth in the murder of the king, rather than a loyal subject of the king who is seen as an enemy by Macbeth. Shakespeare may have changed this aspect of his character in order to pleas e King James I, who was thought at the time to be a descendant of the real Banquo. Critics often interpret Banquo's role in the play as being a foil to Macbeth, resisting evil where Macbeth embraces it. Sometimes, however, his motives are unclear, and some critics question his purity ” ("Banquo" 1). Macbeth persuades the audience that he is a harm to his power but still continues to look up to him as a friend because he is found of his personality. Banquo had a strong personality as portrayed by Shakespeare but is still not strong enough to protect himself from Macbeth’s jealousy.

“Banquo.” //Princeton Education//. Princeton Education, n.d. Web. 06 Jan. 2015.

Mabillard, Amanda. “Shakespeare’s Sources For Macbeth.” //Shakespeare Online//. Amanda Mabillard, n.d. Web. 20 Aug. 2000. 06 Jan. 2015.



Historical (Noelle):

In the 1606 play, Macbeth, written by William Shakespeare, the character Banquo began as Macbeth’s accomplice. Shakespeare perceived as a smart and aristocratic, which causes Macbeth to be envious of Banquo. In an article published by Princeton, “Banquo,” it states, “ Shakespeare borrowed the character of Banquo from Holinshed's Chronicles, a history of Britain published by [|Raphael Holinshed] in 1587” (Banquo 1). The storyline of Macbeth is loosely based on the true events of an eleventh century King of Scotland. There are several differences between what actually happened and what occurred in the story: who came to the throne after Macbeth, the description of Duncan, and when Macbeth ruled are a few. This being said, the Stuart Kings, monarchy figures in Great Britain in the sixteenth and seventh century, claimed to be descents of Banquo (The Stuarts 1). The character of Banquo is however, a made up character in both Holinshed’s Chronicles and in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Though a fictional character, Banquo still makes an impact in the story of Macbeth.

“Banquo.” //Princeton Education//. Princeton Education, n.d. Web. 06 Jan. 2015.

“Macbeth.” //BBC.// BBC Publishing, n.d. Web. 05 Jan. 2015.

“The Stuarts.” //The Official Website of the British Monarchy.// Crown Copyright, n.d. Web. 06 Jan. 2015.



Audience (Gavyn):

In Macbeth, by William Shakespeare the character Banquo, confronted by the three witches on a heath, responds to their prophecies in a peculiar manner other than his peers. He is curious about the prediction of fathering a line of kings, but controls his ambition. Much like in the audiences life, curiousness is a constant addiction to know the truth. Yet most can control the urge and resist. Macbeths audience would find comfort in Banquo to know he is like them. Later in the play, do to banquo's uneasiness, he is killed. Even to this day people are killed do to being over uneasy and nervous. Doing this clouds the mind, and everyone experiences this at some point. Unlike most novel characters, the audience can make a true connection to Banquo, and even feel sorry for the man. BBC writes, “ Shakespeare presents Banquo as a wise, noble and regal figure”(BBC 1). Much like few in the audience, Banquo resides as a looked highly upon figure that the crowd can trust. Because of his curiousness, and death that everyone experiences at some point, this would ultimately draw the crowd in. Banquo's character, yet not the smartest, may be the most famous in the play, Macbeth.

“Banquo.” // Shakespeare Wik // i. Wiki, n.d. Web. 05 Jan. 2015.

“Macbeth.” //BBC//. BBC Publishing, n.d. Web. 05 Jan. 2015.



Aim (Conner):

Banquo was Macbeth’s ally in the beginning and the two of them were both captains in the King's army. Although the two were allies in the beginning, when they met the Three Witches it all changed. The Three Witches tell Macbeth that he will become King and that Banquo will not become king, but that his descendants will be. Because of what the Three Witches told Macbeth, he became thirsty for power and saw Banquo as a threat and had him murdered. In an article published by Princeton, it states, “Banquo's ghost returns in a later scene, causing Macbeth to react with alarm during a public feast” (Princeton 1). The purpose and aim of Banquo was to embarrass and get revenge upon Macbeth. At first Banquo's purpose was to help and be an ally to Macbeth. When Macbeth murdered Banquo, and his ghost came back and tormented Macbeth. His aim was get revenge on Macbeth for what he had done to him.

“Banquo.” //Princeton Education//. Princeton Education, n.d. Web. 06 Jan. 2015.

“Speech (Lines) for Banquo in ‘Macbeth.’” //Open Source Shakespeare//. George Mason University, n.d. Web. 06 Jan. 2015.