Macbeth Group

Question:

hello97
hello97
Student
College - Freshman

[3.2.13] What does Macbeth call Banquo? Is this an accurate description and why does Macbeth think of Banquo this way?

Compare the description to Macbeths discription of himself in [3.2.36]

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Posted by hello97 on Wednesday April 15, 2009 at 4:21 PM and tagged with banquo, characters, macbeth.

Answers:


  1. danylyshen Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    When MacBeth exclaims "we have scorched the snake, not killed it" he is referring of course, to Banquo and also really anyone who is a threat to his power and his crown. He thinks of Banquo in this way because of the witches' prophecy that he will produce kings but not be one himself. MacBeth unjustifiably refers to Banquo like this because he has identified Banquo as a threat that could, as a snake can, lurk in the underbrush and strike him when he least expects it. It is an ironic use of the image, since it is MacBeth who really is the "snake."

    I'm not sure if you have the correct lines for your final question. Are you referring to when MacBeth refers to his mind as being "full of scorpions"? Qualify the lines, then I can add further insights.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/macbeth-text/act-iii-scene-ii

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    Posted by danylyshen on Thursday April 16, 2009 at 7:06 AM