Absolute power corrupts absolutely. William Shakespeare wrote this play for entertainment, because back then around this time the only entertainment was plays. The play about a once noble solider that lets greed control him and it eventually destroys him. Although Macbeth and Banquo are similar predicaments, they react very differently. However, one can’t label Macbeth as evil for the simple fact that he was good and noble at one point in the play.
In the play “Macbeth” banquo and Macbeth are equal for the following reason, Being both Noble, strong and dauntless soldiers which brought them high ranking in the kings army, Macbeth being thane of Cawdor and glamis and banquo being the prince of Cumberland. Another thing they have in common is both hearing the witches’ prophecies. The witches were telling them they would be seen as the same but look upon differently.
Macbeth & banquo seem to be different after the witches’ prophecies. Banquo being loyal to his country and his hierarchy “I lose none {honor} in seeking to augment it {honor}”. In this quote banquo is saying is honor meaning the must to him more than anything. “Worthy Macbeth, we stay upon your leisure” honoring their partnership. Macbeth is different because his greed and having negative reactions causes him to destroy the country. Starting with him killing the king when he kills the king the whole castle felt it. Macbeth is ruthless and cold hearted banquo is not.
Banquo is the hero but at the same time Macbeth no villain either. Its black and white unclear because one point in the play Macbeth was good and the hero in the war. “The multiplying villains of nature do swarm upon him from the western isles (the herbrides, off Scotland) of kerns and gallowglasses is supplied; and fortune, on his damned quarrel smiling. Showed like a rebels whore: but alls too weak for brave Macbeth –well he deserves that name- disdaining fortune, with his brandished steel, which smoked with bloody execution, like valor’s minion carved out his passage. Till he faced the slave; which nev’r shook hands, nor bade farewell to him till he unseamed him from the nave to th’ chops, and fixed his head upon our battlement”. For banquo being a hero not himself but thru is bloodline meaning banquo sons eventually conquer Macbeth and become king.
Was King Duncan death the only way Macbeth was able to become king? Even thou Banquo & Macbeth are similar in different occasions and one can’t be labeled due to the simple fact that Macbeth wasn’t always evil. Macbeth greed, power and being self-centered while Banquo was loyal and not self-centered. They were alike in many ways and yet so different Banquo was loyal Macbeth was not. Macbeth thought power would bring him happiness but you can’t be happy if you take what not yours
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