Banquo Warns Macbeth About The Witches Quote
Introduction
Shakespeare's Macbeth is a tragedy that tells the story of a brave Scottish general named Macbeth who receives a prophecy from three witches that he will become the king of Scotland. Macbeth, driven by his ambition, murders King Duncan and takes the throne. However, his guilt and paranoia consume him, and he becomes a tyrant who rules through fear and violence. One of the most important scenes in the play is when Banquo warns Macbeth about the witches' prophecy.
The Witches' Prophecy
At the beginning of the play, Macbeth and Banquo encounter three witches who predict their futures. The witches tell Macbeth that he will become king, while Banquo will father a line of kings. Macbeth is initially skeptical, but when he is named Thane of Cawdor, he begins to believe that the prophecy might come true.
However, Banquo is suspicious of the witches and warns Macbeth that they might be evil. He says, "And oftentimes, to win us to our harm, The instruments of darkness tell us truths, Win us with honest trifles, to betray's In deepest consequence" (Act 1, Scene 3, Lines 123-126). Banquo is warning Macbeth that the witches might be telling the truth, but their intentions are dark and could lead to harm.
Macbeth's Response
Macbeth is initially dismissive of Banquo's warning, saying, "You should be women, And yet your beards forbid me to interpret That you are so" (Act 1, Scene 3, Lines 45-47). Macbeth is mocking the witches and implying that they are not really women, but demons in disguise.
However, as the play progresses and Macbeth's ambition grows, he becomes more and more paranoid. He realizes that Banquo is a threat to his throne, as the witches predicted that Banquo's descendants would become kings. Macbeth orders his henchmen to murder Banquo and his son Fleance, but Fleance escapes. This leads to Macbeth's downfall, as Banquo's ghost haunts him and reminds him of his guilt and treachery.
The Importance of Banquo's Warning
Banquo's warning is important because it foreshadows Macbeth's downfall. Banquo is the moral center of the play, and his skepticism of the witches and their prophecy contrasts with Macbeth's ambition and gullibility. Banquo's warning shows that he is wise and cautious, while Macbeth is reckless and impulsive.
Furthermore, Banquo's warning highlights the theme of appearance vs. reality in the play. The witches appear to be benevolent, but their prophecy leads to murder and chaos. Banquo warns Macbeth not to trust appearances, but Macbeth ignores his advice and falls victim to his own delusions.
Conclusion
Banquo's warning about the witches' prophecy is a crucial moment in Macbeth. It shows the contrast between Banquo's caution and Macbeth's ambition, and foreshadows Macbeth's downfall. The warning also highlights the theme of appearance vs. reality, which is central to the play. Banquo's skepticism and wisdom make him a tragic hero, while Macbeth's blind ambition leads to his tragic end.