Macbeth essay

Georgia Krok
Explore the relationship between Macbeth and Banquo in Macbeth.
Macbeth is a play written by Shakespeare to please King

James I of England. Macbeth is a tragedy, which portrays the

success and then downfall of Macbeth due to his mental health

and ambition; which can be seen as his hamartia, that follows

the structure of Freytag’s tragedies. Macbeth is about an

ambitious Thane who would like to become King once he is

tempted to do so by witches. Witches play an important role

in Macbeth as they hold a stigma around them during

Shakespearian times. This essay will explore the evolution of

Macbeth and Banquo’s relationship throughout the play.

In the beginning of the play Banquo and Macbeth’s

relationship is genuine. Banquo calls Macbeth ‘Good Sir.’ The

use of the word ‘Good’ when addressing Macbeth shows how

Banquo regards Macbeth as a friend. Shakespeare’s use of

long sentences shows how their interaction is genuine. The

use of Iambic pentameter conveys how their relationship is

genuine rather than forced. However later on in the essay

Banquo addresses Macbeth in monosyllabic words in short

sentences. ‘My Lord, I will not,’ this shows how throughout

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Macbeth essay
Georgia Krok
Explore the relationship between Macbeth and Banquo in Macbeth.
the play their relationship has become strained and distant.

The use of the title ‘My Lord’ conveys how whilst Banquo

does not trust Macbeth he will still show him respect as he is

not the king and therefore has power, however Banquo’s

refusal of the kings offer shows how whilst he pretends to

respect him he does not actually as Macbeth affected the

divine right of the kings by murdering the king. Macbeth

responds to Banquo in complex lexis showing his status and

power as king.

Macbeth tries to hide his mistrust in Banquo. ‘Speak

our free hearts to each other,’ by using hyperbolic lexis and

iambic pentameter Macbeth tries to hide the fact that he

feels that Banquo is a threat to him and to his crown. This

aside however forebodes how Macbeth will become very

secretive. He tries to gain insight into Banquo’s thoughts and

feelings about the prophesy by pretending that he still trusts

him and that he does not view him as a threat any longer.

The use of the phrase ‘free hearts’ is ironic, as Macbeth does not

want to share how he truly feels. This shows how Macbeth

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Macbeth essay
Georgia Krok
Explore the relationship between Macbeth and Banquo in Macbeth.
views power as more important over friendship. This is

contextually relevant as in this time they viewed kings as God’s

messenger on earth and therefore meant you were chosen by

God to be King.

Banquo does not feel safe in Macbeth’s castle. ‘Give me

my sword-

Who’s There?’ This conveys how Banquo is on edge and feels

as if he is under threat. The use of short sentences helps

Shakespeare to create tension and convey a sense of

mistrust that Banquo has of being in Macbeth’s castle. The

word ‘sword’ shows how Banquo feels he may need to

defend himself, and shows the underlying violent nature of

men in this era as they have just come home from a battle.

Macbeth replies to Banquo’s question by saying it is ‘A

friend.’ One can interpret that the use of a short reply shows

how Banquo is able to know Macbeth from his voice,

showing how they used to be very close. The use of dramatic

irony when Macbeth calls Banquo a ‘friend’ shows how

nothing Macbeth says or does can be taken at face value.

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Macbeth essay
Georgia Krok
Explore the relationship between Macbeth and Banquo in Macbeth.
In conclusion Macbeth and Banquo’s relationship goes

from being very close and genuine to strained and false after the

prophecy of the witches. This is because of Macbeth and

Banquo’s mistrust and weariness around each other.