Kit Nadado English 382 Response Paper Shakespeares Macbeth portrays Banquo as resolute to the temptations of the Weird

Sisters prophecy of greatness and power. Both Macbeth and Banquo are witnesses to the prophecies of the Weird Sisters. Unlike Macbeth, he does not venture into the path of violence and murder Macbeth took for himself. Unlike Macbeth, Banquo does not act on the temptation of pushing the prophecy through heinous actions. These evidences may label Banquo as virtuous and strong in resisting the demands of ambition. Although Banquo commits no murder, nor any other acts of deception to fulfill the prophecy, he is in a sense a participant in the fulfillment of the prophecy by doing nothing. Banquo, motivated by ambition participates in the fulfillment of the Weird Sisters prophecy by doing nothing and focusing on self-preservation. Although not entirely portrayed by the play, the Weird Sisters prophecy inspires ambition to Banquo. Just like Macbeth, the prophecy has a pleasing effect on Banquo. Indeed, the prospect of having his posterity as kings and royalties in the future appears rather appealing. Banquo calls the prophecy things that do sound fair(1.3.52); thus, he recognizes the positive impacts the fulfillment of this prophecy will bring to his posterity. Unlike Macbeth who experiences paranoia over the prospect of kingship, Banquo is not at all paranoid about the prophecy, at least as portrayed in the play. Yet we may assume that Banquo, in a sense, is motivated by ambition when he asked the Weird Sisters for his own destiny. It may also be ambition with a touch of envy or jealousy that compels him to say, To me you speak not . . . Speak then to me (1.3.60-61) hoping for a luck similar to that of Macbeth or hoping not to be singled out as second best to Macbeths fortune. Although not explicitly depicted in this part of the play, we assume that Banquo truly believes the prophecy and looks forward to its fulfillment. Banquos silent ambition, provoked by the prophecy, renders him passive to counter Macbeths murderous actions. In a sense, Banquo somehow knows Macbeths heart and plans after hearing the prophecy. This knowledge leads him to raise a warning to Macbeth whom he must know well, And oftentimes to win us to our harm, the instruments of darkness tell us truths (1.3.123). Perhaps Banquo knows that Macbeth Is bound to make treacherous choices to fulfill the prophecy. Banquo indeed has raised a warning yet did nothing to stop Macbeths plans. In the night of Duncans death, Banquo is afflicted by sleeplessness caused by cursed thoughts that nature gives way to in repose (2.1.8).These cursed thoughts are the rakings of his conscience for he knows too well that that night is when Macbeths plans are consummated. He knows and he is racked by his conscience yet he did nothing to stop Macbeth. Banquos passiveness in acting against Macbeths plans is rooted in his desire to fulfill the prophecy as reflected in his speech, Yet it was said . . . that myself should be the root of many kings . . . their speeches shine(3.1.3-7). He truly holds this hope of being the root of royalties and kings high. In order for his posterity to become kings, he is compelled to focus on the preservation of his own life as well as his sons. With this focus and ambition, Banquo participates in the fulfillment of the prophecy by placing no obstacle to Macbeths action and instead getting out of Macbeths way as much as possible. It may not be explicitly depicted that Banquo truly participated in Macbeths fulfillment of the prophecy but we may assume based on our ample evidences that he did. If this is indeed true, then Banquo is not truly as virtuous as others have depicted him. Banquo becomes a man who is passively participating in fulfilling the prophecy by not simply acting. Instead, he paves the way for Macbeth to succeed in his schemes b placing no obstacle to him.