The Similarities Of Banquo And Macbeth

In order to accentuate certain attributes in their characters, writers use minor characters to contrast their differing personalities. For example, in Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, Macbeth, the main character, Macbeth, goes mad with corruption and greed, and his former best friend Banquo, who stays true to his ideals, even in the face of death. Shakespeare uses the scenes in which Banquo and Macbeth experience similar situations to highlight the dishonorable, sinister and disloyal qualities of Macbeth’s personality when contrasted with Banquo’s noble, compassionate and faithful characteristics. The differences between Macbeth and Banquo are exemplified after they both face similar decisions, but Banquo chooses the more noble path while Macbeth …show more content…
Another instance in which Macbeth’s immorality is emphasized by his interactions with Banquo is when Macbeth plans to kill Duncan to become king and then tries to buy Banquo’s loyalty. Macbeth promises Banquo honor, saying, “If you shall cleave to my consent, when ‘tis, it shall make honor for you” (Shakespeare 3.1.25-26). By promising Banquo honor in exchange for betraying the king, Macbeth shows the true extent to his corruption, especially since he believes he can put a price on the head of King Duncan, a good friend and relative of both himself and Banquo. By refusing this offer, Banquo proves his loyalty and trustworthiness. Banquo proves that refusing the temptation of riches and power can be accomplished, and since Macbeth is unable to do this, he appears even weaker. While Banquo stays true to his strong moral beliefs, Macbeth is quick to abandon his when he believes he has the chance to gain power. After learning about their profitable futures, Banquo leans towards caution and warns Macbeth, “And oftentimes, to win us our harm the instruments of darkness will tell us truths” (Shakespeare 1.3.121-123). Macbeth disregards this advice, and instead accepts the evil witches’ prophecy as true, and plots to further himself by killing King Duncan, saying, “Stars, hide your fires, let not light see my black and deep desires” (Shakespeare 1.4.50-51). By hesitating to accept the evil witches’ prophecy, Banquo stays loyal to not only his king but also his morals. On the other hand, Macbeth almost immediately succumbs to the temptation of power and turns on his friends in order to do so. To accentuate the characteristics of Macbeth, he contrasts him with Banquo, who consistently does the right thing throughout the