Macbeth · Chapter
Scene I explained
Banquo suspects Macbeth of foul play in becoming king, recalling the witches' prophecy that Banquo's descendants will be kings.
What happens
Banquo suspects Macbeth of foul play in becoming king, recalling the witches' prophecy that Banquo's descendants will be kings. Macbeth, now king, hosts a banquet and learns that Banquo and his son Fleance will ride out that afternoon. Macbeth arranges for murderers to kill Banquo and Fleance, fearing Banquo's royal nature and the prophecy that his own lineage will not inherit the throne.
Themes in this chapter
Ambition and Power
Macbeth's ambition drives him to order the murder of Banquo to secure his power and prevent the prophecy of Banquo's heirs from coming true.
Guilt and Conscience
Macbeth reflects on his guilt for murdering Duncan, acknowledging that he has 'filed my mind' and given his 'eternal jewel' to the devil for Banquo's benefit.
Fate vs. Free Will
Macbeth struggles against the witches' prophecy that Banquo's descendants will be kings, attempting to alter fate through murder.
Characters to notice
- Banquo
Banquo suspects Macbeth of treachery and hopes the witches' prophecy about his own descendants will come true.
- Macbeth
Macbeth, now king, fears Banquo and arranges his murder to secure his throne and prevent Banquo's line from inheriting.
- Lady Macbeth
Lady Macbeth appears as queen, welcoming Banquo to the feast.
- Lennox
Lennox is present among the lords attending the royal court.
- Ross
Ross is present among the lords attending the royal court.
- Murderers
Two murderers are recruited by Macbeth to kill Banquo and Fleance.
Key passages
“To be thus is nothing; But to be safely thus.”
Being king is meaningless unless I am secure in my position.
Macbeth reveals his insecurity and obsession with maintaining power.
“Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown, And put a barren sceptre in my gripe, Thence to be wrench'd with an unlineal hand, No son of mine succeeding.”
The witches gave me a crown that will bear no fruit and a scepter that will be taken by someone not of my blood, for I have no son to inherit.
Macbeth laments that his kingship will not lead to a dynasty, fueling his resentment toward Banquo.
“For Banquo's issue have I filed my mind; For them the gracious Duncan have I murder'd; Put rancours in the vessel of my peace Only for them; and mine eternal jewel Given to the common enemy of man, To make them kings, the seed of Banquo kings!”
I have stained my soul and murdered Duncan all for Banquo's descendants, sacrificing my eternal salvation to make them kings.
Macbeth expresses his despair and regret that his crimes benefit Banquo's line, not his own.