Question:
Why were Banquo and Macbeth friends?
In Shakespeare’s play “Macbeth,” Banquo and Macbeth were friends and fellow generals in the army of King Duncan. They had fought together in battles and earned the trust and respect of the king. Their friendship was based on their shared experiences and accomplishments as loyal soldiers. However, this friendship is put to the test when the witches’ prophecy promises the throne to Macbeth, leading him to betray and murder Banquo in order to secure his own path to power. The tragic downfall of their friendship is a central theme in the play, highlighting the corrosive effects of ambition and the consequences of betrayal.
As the play progresses, Banquo’s suspicions about the prophecy’s implications for Macbeth’s ambition become increasingly apparent. Banquo notes, “The instruments of darkness tell us truths, / Win us with honest trifles, to betray’s / In deepest consequence.” This insight foreshadows the breakdown of Banquo and Macbeth’s friendship, as Macbeth’s single-minded pursuit of the crown leads him to view Banquo as a threat. Macbeth’s later soliloquy reveals his calculation that “Thou must be he that bears the ball” – a reference to Banquo’s sons inheriting the throne, which Macbeth cannot allow. The tragic irony is that Macbeth’s actions to secure his own power ultimately destroy the very friendship that had once bound them together as loyal comrades.
Relevant Passages:
Act iii, Scene ii
Banquo expresses his fear that Macbeth obtained the throne through foul means and questions the prophecies of the Weird Women. Macbeth invites Banquo to a feast and asks for his advice, but Banquo plans to leave for a ride and promises to return at night. Macbeth mentions that their cousins have fled to England and Ireland and they will discuss it further the next day.
Act ii, Scene ii
Banquo and Fleance enter with a torch, and Banquo asks about the time. Macbeth arrives and Banquo informs him that the king is in bed and has given out gifts. They discuss the Weird Sisters and Macbeth asks for an hour of Banquo’s time. Banquo agrees and they part ways. Macbeth sends a servant to tell his wife to come to bed.
Act i, Scene iv
Macbeth and Banquo are discussing their recent success in battle, when they are interrupted by the arrival of Ross and Angus who bring news that Macbeth has been named Thane of Cawdor by the King. Banquo expresses suspicion about the prophecies of the witches and warns Macbeth to be careful.
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