This is from Act 3 scene 1 of the play. At this point in the play, Macbeth is now
king of Scotland. His friend Banquo expresses his private fears that Macbeth
was involved in the murder of King Duncan.
BANQUO
Thou hast it now: king, Cawdor, Glamis, all,
As the weird women promised, and, I fear,
Thou play'dst most foully for't: yet it was said
It should not stand in thy posterity,
But that myself should be the root and father 5
Of many kings. 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. 10
Enter MACBETH, as king, LADY MACBETH, as queen, LENNOX,
ROSS, Lords, Ladies, and Attendants
MACBETH
Here's our chief guest.
LADY MACBETH
If he had been forgotten,
It had been as a gap in our great feast,
And all-thing unbecoming.
MACBETH
To-night we hold a solemn supper sir, 15
And I'll request your presence.
BANQUO
Let your highness
Command upon me; to the which my duties
Are with a most indissoluble tie
For ever knit. 20
Q1: Starting with this conversation, explain how Shakespeare presents the
relationship between Banquo and Macbeth.
Write about:
• how Shakespeare presents their relationship in this conversation
• how Shakespeare presents the relationship elsewhere in the play.
king of Scotland. His friend Banquo expresses his private fears that Macbeth
was involved in the murder of King Duncan.
BANQUO
Thou hast it now: king, Cawdor, Glamis, all,
As the weird women promised, and, I fear,
Thou play'dst most foully for't: yet it was said
It should not stand in thy posterity,
But that myself should be the root and father 5
Of many kings. 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. 10
Enter MACBETH, as king, LADY MACBETH, as queen, LENNOX,
ROSS, Lords, Ladies, and Attendants
MACBETH
Here's our chief guest.
LADY MACBETH
If he had been forgotten,
It had been as a gap in our great feast,
And all-thing unbecoming.
MACBETH
To-night we hold a solemn supper sir, 15
And I'll request your presence.
BANQUO
Let your highness
Command upon me; to the which my duties
Are with a most indissoluble tie
For ever knit. 20
Q1: Starting with this conversation, explain how Shakespeare presents the
relationship between Banquo and Macbeth.
Write about:
• how Shakespeare presents their relationship in this conversation
• how Shakespeare presents the relationship elsewhere in the play.
