BANQUO
“Thou hast it now—king, Cawdor, Glamis, all
As the Weïrd Women promised, and I fear
Thou played’st most foully for ’t.”
Explanation:
- Banquo reflects on how Macbeth has now gained all the titles the witches predicted: King, Thane of Cawdor, and Thane of Glamis.
- He suspects that Macbeth achieved this through foul play, likely by murdering Duncan.
Analysis (Language & Techniques):
- Foreshadowing: Banquo’s suspicion foreshadows his fate—since Macbeth sees him as a threat, Banquo will soon be in danger.
- Dramatic Irony: The audience already knows that Macbeth did indeed commit murder, making Banquo’s suspicion accurate.
- Theme: Ambition & Corruption – Macbeth’s ambition has led him to commit murder to fulfill the witches’ prophecy.
BANQUO
“Yet it was said
It should not stand in thy posterity,
But that myself should be the root and father
Of many kings.”
Explanation:
- Banquo recalls that the witches said Macbeth would be king but not have heirs who rule.
- Instead, Banquo’s descendants (his son Fleance and his future lineage) were predicted to inherit the throne.
Analysis (Language & Techniques):
- Contrast: Banquo compares Macbeth’s fleeting rule with his own lasting legacy.
- Theme: Fate & Prophecy – Banquo wonders if the witches’ predictions will come true for him as they did for Macbeth.
BANQUO
“If there come truth from them
(As upon thee, Macbeth, their speeches shine)
Why, by the verities on thee made good,
May they not be my oracles as well,
And set me up in hope? But hush, no more.”
Explanation:
- Since the witches’ prophecies came true for Macbeth, Banquo wonders if his prophecy will also be fulfilled.
- However, he stops himself, choosing not to dwell on it.
Analysis (Language & Techniques):
- Rhetorical Question: Banquo questions why his own prophecy wouldn’t also come true.
- Foreshadowing: His hope for his heirs is dangerous, as Macbeth sees Banquo as a threat.
- Theme: Fate vs. Free Will – Banquo wonders if fate will fulfill his prophecy, but unlike Macbeth, he does not take action.
MACBETH (entering with others)
“Here’s our chief guest.”
Explanation:
- Macbeth welcomes Banquo warmly, pretending to honor him.
- However, Macbeth actually sees Banquo as a threat and is already planning his murder.
Analysis (Language & Techniques):
- Dramatic Irony: The audience knows Macbeth’s real intentions, making his kind words sinister.
- Theme: Deception & Betrayal – Macbeth hides his true thoughts while plotting Banquo’s death.
LADY MACBETH
“If he had been forgotten,
It had been as a gap in our great feast
And all-thing unbecoming.”
Explanation:
- Lady Macbeth says that Banquo’s absence would ruin their feast.
- This reinforces the idea that Banquo is an important figure, but ironically, Macbeth is plotting to get rid of him.
Analysis (Language & Techniques):
- Metaphor: Comparing Banquo’s absence to a gap in a feast suggests that his presence is essential.
- Dramatic Irony: The audience knows Banquo’s fate, making this line ironic.
- Theme: Appearance vs. Reality – Lady Macbeth outwardly honors Banquo while secretly supporting his murder.
MACBETH
“Tonight we hold a solemn supper, sir,
And I’ll request your presence.”
Explanation:
- Macbeth formally invites Banquo to a feast that night.
- However, Macbeth already plans to have him killed before he arrives.
Analysis (Language & Techniques):
- Theme: Manipulation & Power – Macbeth pretends to be a gracious host while secretly plotting Banquo’s assassination.
- Dramatic Irony: Banquo does not know that accepting this invitation will lead to his death.
BANQUO
“Let your Highness—”
(This is where Banquo begins to speak before being interrupted.)
Explanation:
- Banquo is responding to Macbeth’s invitation, likely confirming his attendance.
- However, before he can say much, the conversation shifts.
Analysis (Language & Techniques):
- Tension & Suspense: The audience is aware of Macbeth’s true motives, making this interaction suspenseful.
- Theme: Fate & Destiny – Banquo is unknowingly walking into a trap, fulfilling the tragic role of the noble man betrayed.
BANQUO
“Command upon me, to the which my duties
Are with a most indissoluble tie
Forever knit.”
Explanation:
- Banquo reassures Macbeth that he remains loyal to him.
- He describes his loyalty as an indissoluble tie, meaning it cannot be broken.
Analysis (Language & Techniques):
- Metaphor: “Indissoluble tie” compares loyalty to an unbreakable bond.
- Irony: Banquo is loyal, but Macbeth sees him as a threat.
- Theme: Loyalty vs. Betrayal – Banquo is truly loyal, unlike Macbeth.
MACBETH
“Ride you this afternoon?”
Explanation:
- Macbeth casually asks Banquo if he will be riding that afternoon.
- This seems like small talk, but he is actually gathering details for his murder plot.
Analysis (Language & Techniques):
- Subtext: Macbeth’s true intention is to confirm Banquo’s location.
- Theme: Deception & Manipulation – Macbeth hides his deadly motives.
BANQUO
“Ay, my good lord.”
Explanation:
- Banquo simply confirms that he will be riding in the afternoon.
- He does not suspect anything unusual.
Analysis (Language & Techniques):
- Dramatic Irony: The audience knows Macbeth is planning Banquo’s murder, making Banquo’s trust tragic.
MACBETH
“We should have else desired your good advice
(Which still hath been both grave and prosperous)
In this day’s council, but we’ll take tomorrow.”
Explanation:
- Macbeth pretends that he values Banquo’s wisdom and regrets that he won’t be at today’s meeting.
- He postpones their discussion to tomorrow, knowing Banquo will be dead by then.
Analysis (Language & Techniques):
- Irony: Macbeth speaks as if Banquo will be alive tomorrow.
- Theme: Deception & Betrayal – Macbeth’s fake politeness hides his murderous intent.
MACBETH
“Is ’t far you ride?”
Explanation:
- Macbeth continues to question Banquo, trying to confirm how far he will travel.
- He wants to ensure Banquo will be vulnerable to an ambush.
Analysis (Language & Techniques):
- Suspense: The audience knows Macbeth’s plan, making this conversation tense.
BANQUO
“As far, my lord, as will fill up the time
’Twixt this and supper. Go not my horse the better,
I must become a borrower of the night
For a dark hour or twain.”
Explanation:
- Banquo says he will ride until supper.
- If his horse is slow, he will return after dark.
Analysis (Language & Techniques):
- Foreshadowing: “Borrower of the night” suggests that he will not survive the night.
- Theme: Fate vs. Free Will – Banquo unknowingly predicts his fate.
MACBETH
“Fail not our feast.”
Explanation:
- Macbeth reminds Banquo to attend the banquet.
- However, Macbeth knows Banquo won’t make it.
Analysis (Language & Techniques):
- Irony: Banquo cannot attend because Macbeth plans to have him killed.
- Theme: Appearance vs. Reality – Macbeth pretends to be a friend.
BANQUO
“My lord, I will not.”
Explanation:
- Banquo promises to be there, not knowing he will be dead.
Analysis (Language & Techniques):
- Tragic Irony: Banquo’s words are true in a dark way—his ghost will attend the feast.
MACBETH
“We hear our bloody cousins are bestowed
In England and in Ireland, not confessing
Their cruel parricide, filling their hearers
With strange invention.”
Explanation:
- Macbeth lies about Duncan’s sons, Malcolm and Donalbain.
- He claims they fled to England and Ireland to avoid blame.
- He accuses them of spreading false stories.
Analysis (Language & Techniques):
- Dramatic Irony: The audience knows Macbeth is the real murderer.
- Theme: Power & Corruption – Macbeth shifts blame to protect himself.
MACBETH
“But of that tomorrow,
When therewithal we shall have cause of state
Craving us jointly.”
Explanation:
- Macbeth dismisses the topic, saying they will discuss it tomorrow.
- Again, this is ironic because Banquo will not be alive.
Analysis (Language & Techniques):
- Manipulation: Macbeth steers the conversation away from his crime.
MACBETH
“Hie you to horse. Adieu,
Till you return at night. Goes Fleance with you?”
Explanation:
- Macbeth tells Banquo to go on his ride.
- He asks if Banquo’s son, Fleance, will accompany him.
- This is crucial because Macbeth wants both Banquo and Fleance dead.
Analysis (Language & Techniques):
- Suspense: Macbeth’s question reveals his intent to kill both father and son.
BANQUO
“Ay, my good lord. Our time does call upon ’s.”
Explanation:
- Banquo confirms that Fleance will join him.
- He also says it is time to leave.
Analysis (Language & Techniques):
- Dramatic Irony: The audience knows Banquo is riding to his death.
MACBETH
“I wish your horses swift and sure of foot,
And so I do commend you to their backs.
Farewell.”
Explanation:
- Macbeth wishes Banquo a safe ride, though he secretly plans his murder.
Analysis (Language & Techniques):
- Irony: Macbeth’s good wishes are false.
- Theme: Betrayal & Deception – Macbeth pretends to be a friend.
MACBETH (after Banquo exits)
“Let every man be master of his time
Till seven at night. To make society
The sweeter welcome, we will keep ourself
Till suppertime alone. While then, God be with you.”
Explanation:
- Macbeth tells everyone to use their time as they wish until supper.
- He pretends he wants to be alone, but in reality, he is planning Banquo’s murder.
Analysis (Language & Techniques):
- Irony: Macbeth isolates himself to organize a crime.
- Theme: Isolation & Paranoia – Macbeth’s fear makes him distance himself from others.
Macbeth: “Sirrah, a word with you. Attend those men / Our pleasure?”
- Explanation: Macbeth calls a servant (“Sirrah” is a term used to address someone of lower status). He asks if the men he wants to meet are waiting for him.
- Analysis: This shows Macbeth’s authority and how he now commands others without hesitation.
- Themes: Power, control, secrecy.
Servant: “They are, my lord, without the palace gate.”
- Explanation: The servant confirms that the men are outside waiting.
- Analysis: This builds suspense, as the audience wonders who these men are and what Macbeth plans to do.
- Themes: Suspicion, manipulation.
Macbeth: “Bring them before us.” (Servant exits.)
- Explanation: Macbeth orders the servant to bring the men in.
- Analysis: His direct and commanding tone reflects his growing ruthlessness.
- Themes: Tyranny, decisiveness.
Macbeth (Soliloquy): “To be thus is nothing, / But to be safely thus.”
- Explanation: Macbeth reflects that simply being king is meaningless if he is not secure in his position.
- Analysis: This shows his paranoia—he fears losing the throne despite achieving his goal.
- Literary Device: Juxtaposition – “to be thus is nothing” vs. “to be safely thus” emphasizes his insecurity.
- Themes: Fear, ambition, insecurity.
“Our fears in Banquo / Stick deep, and in his royalty of nature / Reigns that which would be feared.”
- Explanation: Macbeth admits that he deeply fears Banquo because he has a noble and kingly nature.
- Analysis: Macbeth acknowledges Banquo’s superiority, showing his inferiority complex.
- Literary Device: Metaphor – “Royalty of nature” suggests Banquo has a natural greatness.
- Themes: Jealousy, power struggle.
“’Tis much he dares, / And to that dauntless temper of his mind / He hath a wisdom that doth guide his valor / To act in safety.”
- Explanation: Banquo is not only brave but also wise enough to be cautious in his actions.
- Analysis: Macbeth envies and fears Banquo’s intelligence, suggesting that Banquo is a real threat.
- Themes: Fear, wisdom vs. recklessness.
“There is none but he / Whose being I do fear; and under him / My genius is rebuked, as it is said / Mark Antony’s was by Caesar.”
- Explanation: Macbeth fears no one but Banquo. He compares himself to Mark Antony, who was overshadowed by Julius Caesar.
- Analysis: This classical allusion suggests that Macbeth sees himself as weaker than Banquo, just as Antony was weaker than Caesar.
- Literary Device: Allusion – to Roman history (Mark Antony and Julius Caesar).
- Themes: Paranoia, insecurity.
“He chid the sisters / When first they put the name of king upon me / And bade them speak to him.”
- Explanation: Banquo questioned the witches when they predicted Macbeth’s kingship, demanding his own prophecy.
- Analysis: This reminds Macbeth that Banquo was also given an important prophecy—one that threatens his reign.
- Themes: Fate, destiny.
“Then, prophet-like, / They hailed him father to a line of kings.”
- Explanation: The witches predicted that Banquo’s descendants, not Macbeth’s, will rule.
- Analysis: This prophecy torments Macbeth because it suggests his reign will be short-lived.
- Themes: Fate, legacy.
“Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown / And put a barren scepter in my grip.”
- Explanation: Macbeth feels cheated—he has a crown but no heirs to pass it on to.
- Analysis: He realizes that his power is temporary and meaningless if his descendants won’t inherit the throne.
- Literary Device: Metaphor – “fruitless crown” and “barren scepter” emphasize his lack of an heir.
- Themes: Power, legacy, frustration.
“Thence to be wrenched with an unlineal hand, / No son of mine succeeding.”
- Explanation: Macbeth knows that someone outside his family will take the throne.
- Analysis: He is deeply frustrated that all his crimes were for someone else’s benefit.
- Themes: Power, fate, frustration.
“If ’t be so, / For Banquo’s issue have I filed my mind;”
- Explanation: If Banquo’s descendants will take the throne, then Macbeth has committed all his sins for their gain.
- Analysis: Macbeth realizes he may have damned himself for nothing.
- Themes: Regret, fate, ambition.
“For them the gracious Duncan have I murdered, / Put rancors in the vessel of my peace”
- Explanation: He killed Duncan and destroyed his own peace of mind—all for Banquo’s descendants.
- Analysis: His paranoia is worsening—he now sees Banquo’s family as enemies.
- Literary Device: Metaphor – “vessel of my peace” (his mind) is filled with bitterness.
- Themes: Guilt, paranoia.
“Only for them, and mine eternal jewel / Given to the common enemy of man.”
- Explanation: Macbeth feels he has sold his soul to the devil (“common enemy of man”) to make Banquo’s lineage kings.
- Analysis: This shows his deep regret and realization of his moral downfall.
- Literary Device: Metaphor – “eternal jewel” represents his soul.
- Themes: Damnation, ambition.
“To make them kings, the seeds of Banquo kings.”
- Explanation: Macbeth resents that Banquo’s heirs, not his, will inherit the throne.
- Analysis: This solidifies his motive for planning Banquo’s murder.
- Themes: Power, ambition.
“Rather than so, come fate into the list, / And champion me to th’ utterance.”
- Explanation: Macbeth challenges fate to a fight—he refuses to accept the prophecy.
- Analysis: He decides to take fate into his own hands by killing Banquo and Fleance.
- Literary Device: Personification – Macbeth treats “fate” as an opponent in a battle.
- Themes: Fate vs. free will, ambition.
“—Who’s there?” (Enter Servant and two Murderers.)
- Explanation: The murderers arrive to discuss Banquo’s assassination.
- Analysis: Macbeth is no longer hesitant about murder—he is actively plotting more.
- Themes: Tyranny, ruthlessness.
“To the Servant. Now go to the door, and stay there / till we call.” (Servant exits.)
- Explanation: Macbeth ensures privacy for his meeting with the murderers.
- Analysis: This shows his secrecy and increasing reliance on hired killers.
- Themes: Deception, manipulation.
“Was it not yesterday we spoke together?”
Explanation: Macbeth asks the murderers if they remember their last conversation, which happened the day before. He is setting the stage for the plan he wants them to follow.
Analysis: This shows Macbeth’s method of manipulation—he starts by reminding them of their previous discussion, preparing them for persuasion.
MURDERERS: “It was, so please your Highness.”
Explanation: The murderers confirm that they spoke with Macbeth the previous day. The phrase “so please your Highness” shows their submission to Macbeth’s authority.
MACBETH: “Well then, now have you considered of my speeches?”
Explanation: Macbeth asks if they have thought about what he told them earlier. He wants to know if they have internalized his claims against Banquo.
Analysis: Macbeth is testing their loyalty and patience before making his demands clear.
“Know that it was he, in the times past, which held you so under fortune, which you thought had been our innocent self.”
Explanation: Macbeth tells the murderers that Banquo is responsible for their suffering and misfortunes, though they previously believed Macbeth was the cause.
Analysis: This is an example of manipulation. Macbeth is twisting reality to make Banquo appear as the villain.
Literary Device: Irony – Banquo is actually innocent, but Macbeth falsely portrays him as their oppressor.
“This I made good to you in our last conference, passed in probation with you”
Explanation: Macbeth reminds them that he already provided proof of Banquo’s guilt in their last conversation.
Analysis: Macbeth is reinforcing his claim, ensuring they trust his words.
“How you were borne in hand, how crossed, the instruments, who wrought with them, and all things else that might to half a soul and to a notion crazed say ‘Thus did Banquo.’”
Explanation: Macbeth claims he gave them details of how they were deceived, who wronged them, and how Banquo was involved.
Analysis: Macbeth frames Banquo as the source of their problems, encouraging their hatred toward him.
Literary Device: Persuasion – He carefully crafts his argument to push the murderers toward revenge.
FIRST MURDERER: “You made it known to us.”
Explanation: The murderer confirms that Macbeth has convinced them that Banquo is responsible for their troubles.
MACBETH: “I did so, and went further, which is now our point of second meeting.”
Explanation: Macbeth agrees that he already proved Banquo’s guilt and says that now is the time for action.
Analysis: This transition moves the conversation from discussion to the actual murder plot.
“Do you find your patience so predominant in your nature that you can let this go?”
Explanation: Macbeth asks if they have so much patience that they can allow Banquo to continue oppressing them.
Analysis: He is challenging their masculinity and pride, using emotional manipulation.
“Are you so gospeled to pray for this good man and for his issue, whose heavy hand hath bowed you to the grave and beggared yours forever?”
Explanation: Macbeth sarcastically asks if they are so religious that they will forgive Banquo, despite his supposed wrongdoing.
Analysis: He mocks the idea of mercy, pushing them toward violence.
Literary Device: Sarcasm – Macbeth pretends to admire their patience but actually ridicules it.
FIRST MURDERER: “We are men, my liege.”
Explanation: The murderer asserts that they are men, implying they are strong and capable of action.
Analysis: This sets up Macbeth’s response, where he questions their worth as men.
MACBETH: “Ay, in the catalogue you go for men,”
Explanation: Macbeth agrees that they are technically men, but suggests that not all men are equal.
Analysis: He begins comparing them to different kinds of dogs, implying that some men are superior to others.
Theme: Masculinity and Power – Macbeth manipulates their sense of manhood to pressure them into violence.
“As hounds and greyhounds, mongrels, spaniels, curs, shoughs, water-rugs, and demi-wolves are clept all by the name of dogs.”
Explanation: He lists different types of dogs, saying that although they are all called “dogs,” some are stronger or more valuable than others.
Analysis: Macbeth suggests that while they may be called “men,” some men are superior to others.
Literary Device: Metaphor – He compares men to dogs, reinforcing his belief in hierarchy.
“The valued file distinguishes the swift, the slow, the subtle, the housekeeper, the hunter, every one according to the gift which bounteous nature hath in him closed.”
Explanation: Just as dogs have different roles based on their natural abilities, men also have varying levels of strength and usefulness.
Analysis: Macbeth implies that the murderers must prove their worth by acting violently.
Theme: Fate vs. Free Will – Macbeth presents an idea that nature assigns roles, but he also encourages the murderers to choose their destiny by killing Banquo.
Macbeth:
“Particular addition, from the bill
That writes them all alike. And so of men.”
- Explanation: Just as all dogs are categorized in a list based on their qualities, so are men. Some men are stronger, some are weaker, but they are all still called “men.”
- Analysis: Macbeth is implying that not all men are equal in strength, courage, or ability. He is subtly questioning the murderers’ manhood to manipulate them into doing his bidding.
- Literary Device:
- Metaphor: He compares men to different types of dogs, suggesting that some are superior.
- Themes: Power and manipulation, masculinity.
Macbeth:
“Now, if you have a station in the file,
Not i’ th’ worst rank of manhood, say ’t,”
- Explanation: If you consider yourself a man of any worth, not among the weakest, then prove it.
- Analysis: Macbeth is challenging their pride and masculinity, making them feel inferior if they refuse the task.
- Literary Device:
- Irony: Macbeth himself is acting dishonorably, yet he questions their worth as men.
- Themes: Masculinity, manipulation.
Macbeth:
“And I will put that business in your bosoms
Whose execution takes your enemy off,”
- Explanation: I will give you a task that will remove your enemy (Banquo).
- Analysis: Macbeth is being careful not to directly order the murder but rather frame it as a personal mission for them.
- Literary Device:
- Euphemism: “Takes your enemy off” is a softer way of saying “kill Banquo.”
- Themes: Deception, power.
Macbeth:
“Grapples you to the heart and love of us,”
- Explanation: If you do this, you will earn my love and favor.
- Analysis: Macbeth is bribing them with promises of power and status.
- Themes: Loyalty and betrayal, ambition.
Macbeth:
“Who wear our health but sickly in his life,
Which in his death were perfect.”
- Explanation: While Banquo is alive, I am weak and unsafe. If he dies, I will be secure.
- Analysis: Macbeth sees Banquo as a constant threat and believes his own power will be complete only when Banquo is dead.
- Literary Device:
- Metaphor: “Wear our health but sickly” compares Macbeth’s insecurity to an illness.
- Themes: Paranoia, power, ambition.
Second Murderer:
“I am one, my liege,
Whom the vile blows and buffets of the world
Hath so incensed that I am reckless what
I do to spite the world.”
- Explanation: I have suffered so much in life that I no longer care what I do, even if it means harming others.
- Analysis: The Second Murderer is bitter and desperate, making him easy to manipulate.
- Themes: Desperation, fate vs. free will.
First Murderer:
“And I another
So weary with disasters, tugged with fortune,
That I would set my life on any chance,
To mend it or be rid on ’t.”
- Explanation: I am so tired of my hardships that I would risk everything, even my life, to improve it or end my suffering.
- Analysis: Macbeth preys on these men’s misfortunes, knowing they are willing to kill out of desperation.
- Literary Device:
- Personification: “Tugged with fortune” gives fate a human-like force pulling him around.
- Themes: Fate and free will, desperation, manipulation.
Macbeth:
“Both of you
Know Banquo was your enemy.”
- Explanation: You both know Banquo has wronged you.
- Analysis: Macbeth is twisting reality. The murderers didn’t necessarily see Banquo as an enemy, but Macbeth convinces them that they should.
- Themes: Deception, manipulation.
Murderers:
“True, my lord.”
- Explanation: The murderers agree, possibly out of fear or persuasion.
- Analysis: Their response is brief, showing how Macbeth’s manipulation has worked.
- Themes: Power, persuasion.
Macbeth:
“So is he mine, and in such bloody distance
That every minute of his being thrusts
Against my near’st of life.”
- Explanation: Banquo is my enemy too, and his very existence is a threat to my life.
- Analysis: Macbeth exaggerates Banquo’s threat to justify murder.
- Literary Device:
- Hyperbole: Macbeth claims Banquo’s presence is dangerous every minute.
- Themes: Paranoia, ambition.
Macbeth:
“And though I could
With barefaced power sweep him from my sight
And bid my will avouch it, yet I must not,”
- Explanation: Even though I have the power to kill Banquo openly, I cannot do it myself.
- Analysis: Macbeth fears the political consequences of openly killing Banquo.
- Literary Device:
- Dramatic Irony: The audience knows Macbeth has already killed Duncan, making this justification hypocritical.
- Themes: Power, appearance vs. reality.
Macbeth:
“For certain friends that are both his and mine,
Whose loves I may not drop, but wail his fall
Who I myself struck down.”
- Explanation: Banquo has mutual friends with me, and I must pretend to mourn his death rather than be seen as responsible.
- Analysis: Macbeth hides his true intentions under the guise of friendship.
- Themes: Deception, public vs. private self.
Macbeth:
“And thence it is
That I to your assistance do make love,
Masking the business from the common eye
For sundry weighty reasons.”
- Explanation: That’s why I’m asking you to do this secretly—there are important reasons why it must remain hidden.
- Analysis: Macbeth carefully words his command to make it seem like the murderers’ decision.
- Themes: Deception, manipulation.
Second Murderer:
“We shall, my lord,
Perform what you command us.”
- Explanation: We will do as you ask.
- Analysis: The murderers, manipulated and desperate, now fully commit to Macbeth’s plan.
- Themes: Loyalty and betrayal, ambition.
First Murderer:
“Though our lives—”
- Explanation: Even if it costs us our lives—(sentence is cut off).
- Analysis: This unfinished line suggests hesitation, but also an understanding of the risks involved.
- Themes: Fate and free will, consequences of ambition.
Macbeth:
“Your spirits shine through you. Within this hour at most / I will advise you where to plant yourselves,”
- Explanation: Macbeth praises the murderers, saying their willingness is evident. He tells them he will soon instruct them on where to position themselves.
- Literary Device: Metaphor – “Your spirits shine through you” compares their enthusiasm to a shining light, symbolizing their readiness to act.
- Theme: Manipulation – Macbeth flatters them to ensure their loyalty.
“Acquaint you with the perfect spy o’ th’ time, / The moment on ’t, for ’t must be done tonight”
- Explanation: Macbeth has gathered intelligence about Banquo’s schedule and insists the murder must be completed that very night.
- Literary Device: Foreshadowing – The urgency suggests a swift and violent act, hinting at the tragedy to come.
- Theme: Paranoia and Fear – Macbeth’s obsession with eliminating threats controls his every action.
“And something from the palace; always thought / That I require a clearness.”
- Explanation: Macbeth instructs that the murder should take place outside the palace, ensuring he is not directly connected to it.
- Literary Device: Symbolism – “Clearness” symbolizes Macbeth’s desire to appear innocent despite his guilt.
- Theme: Deception – Macbeth continues to conceal his crimes to maintain power.
“And with him (To leave no rubs nor botches in the work) / Fleance, his son, that keeps him company,”
- Explanation: Macbeth orders that Fleance must also be killed to avoid any loose ends.
- Literary Device: Metaphor – “Rubs nor botches” refers to mistakes in the murder, comparing the killing to a task that must be flawlessly executed.
- Theme: Fate vs. Free Will – Macbeth tries to prevent the prophecy by eliminating Banquo’s lineage.
“Whose absence is no less material to me / Than is his father’s, must embrace the fate / Of that dark hour.”
- Explanation: Macbeth states that Fleance is as much of a threat as Banquo. He must die in the darkness of the night.
- Literary Device: Personification – “Fate” is given agency, as if it actively chooses Fleance.
- Theme: Darkness and Evil – Night represents secrecy, crime, and death.
“Resolve yourselves apart. / I’ll come to you anon.”
- Explanation: Macbeth tells the murderers to make their final decision privately and assures them he will return soon.
- Theme: Power and Corruption – Macbeth wields his authority to manipulate others into committing murder.
Murderers:
“We are resolved, my lord.”
- Explanation: The murderers confirm they are committed to carrying out Macbeth’s orders.
- Theme: Loyalty vs. Betrayal – The murderers serve Macbeth, yet they betray Banquo, showing how easily trust is manipulated.
Macbeth (After the Murderers Exit):
“I’ll call upon you straight. Abide within.”
- Explanation: Macbeth reassures them he will summon them soon and instructs them to wait.
- Theme: Control and Authority – Macbeth’s growing dominance over others is evident.
“It is concluded. Banquo, thy soul’s flight, / If it find heaven, must find it out tonight.”
- Explanation: Macbeth declares that Banquo’s fate is sealed—if he is destined for heaven, he will get there tonight because he will be murdered.
- Literary Devices:
- Personification – Banquo’s soul is given the ability to “fly.”
- Irony – Macbeth acknowledges Banquo’s possible entry into heaven, highlighting the moral difference between them.
- Foreshadowing – This line directly hints at Banquo’s impending murder.
- Theme: Guilt and Morality – Macbeth is aware of Banquo’s goodness yet still chooses to kill him, showing his moral decline.
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