Ensayo En Ingles Macbeth

Royal Blood



Whenever reading a piece of literature, it is known that protagonists and antagonists are going to be present in it. Shakespeare’s Macbeth is no exception: the play consists of two parts or “movements”, both of them with different foils for Macbeth, Banquo and Macduff. Although Banquo dies and Macduff is the one who defeats the protagonist, it is the first one who will beanalyzed as one of the main characters of the play.

As it was already mentioned, Banquo is the antagonist during the first movement. This is clearly seen as Macbeth decides to kill Banquo by whom he feels threatened 1; the reason for this fear (besides the fact that his descendants will be Kings) is that both characters can be seen as opposites, that is to say Banquo represents all the valuesMacbeth lacks of: he is loyal, noble, and wise:

1- ……….Our fears of Banquo

Stick deep, and in his royalty of nature
Reigns that which would be feared; ‘t is much he dares;
And, to that dauntless temper of his mind
He hath a wisdom that doth guide his valour
To act in safety……… (Act 3, scene 1, lines47-53)


Furthermore this character is doubtless a round and dynamic one. Although he is characterized as a good natured person he presents some flaws as well, that make him seem real; this is clearly depicted when he shows ambition regarding the witches’ prophecies 2 and how he struggles against temptation about the same issue 3. This struggle also depicts the complexity of this character.2- If you can look into the seeds of time,
And say which grain will grow, and which will not,
Speak then to me, who neither beg nor fear
Your favours nor your hate.(Act 1, scene 3, lines 58-61)


3- And yet I would not sleep: merciful powers!
Restrain in me the cursed thoughts that nature
Gives way to in repose!- Give me mysword.(Act 2, scene1, lines 7-9)

Despite Banquo’s struggle and temptation, he decides to be loyal and because of this decision, his role in the play changes drastically. At the beginning Banquo is Macbeth’s friend but after he stands his loyalty and honor he becomes the antagonist of the tragedy and he is murdered for the same reason.
In order to analyze in depth how this character changes it isuseful to examine it according to its social, emotional and intellectual features.
At the very beginning, Banquo and Macbeth seem to be at the same level: they are friends and they have the same hierarchical position (Generals of the King’s army). After the protagonist betrays Duncan, the previously mentioned friendship ceased and Macbeth (now King, hence more powerful) decides to kill him.Moreover, although Banquo’s rank remains the same during his life, the fact that he will be father of Kings makes a significant change in his hierarchical position since his blood will become “royal blood”.
Throughout the play it is possible to see that Banquo is a noble 4, wise, honest, loyal 5 and cautious 6 man who in spite of being tempted never betrays any of the people he is faithful to. Onthe other hand, it is not clear why Banquo (who is so cautious) did not prevent or foresaw his own murder, considering his suspicions towards Macbeth. One plausible answer is that Banquo never thought that he represented any menace to anybody or that he did not think Macbeth capable of killing him; another possibility is that he decided to be brave and accept his destiny.
4- O,treachery! Fly, good Fleance, fly, fly, fly! (Act 3, scene 3, line18)


5- So I lose none
In seeking to augment it, but still keep
My bosom franchised, and allegiance clear,
I shall be counseled.(Act 2, scene 1, lines 27-30)


6- And oftentimes, to win us to our harm,
The instruments of darkness tell us truths,
Win us...