Macbeth Group

Question:

aroon
aroon
Teacher
Vocational

In Macbeth, why and where did Banquo go with Fleance just before the Royal Banquet?

There seems no valid reason for his trip.

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Posted by aroon on Wednesday February 25, 2009 at 3:26 AM and tagged with banquet, banquo, characters, fleance, macbeth, plot.

Answers:


  1. troutmiller Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    Looking in the text and then in summary notes, it's not ever stated that Banquo and Fleance have anywhere specific to ride.  There is no mention of them meeting up with anyone else.  They just appear to go riding together. 

    In the previous act, Banquo is seen handing his son his dagger and sword.  This is symbolic to handing down his heritage.  Banquo will be killed, and Fleance will have to carry on in his place. Perhaps this symbolic gesture leads them to want to spend some time together, so they go for one last ride.  Again, it's not an obvious answer.  It is a good question, however, since they could very well be going to meet up with Duncan's sons, or something to disappoint Macbeth.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/macbeth/act-ii-summary-analysis
    http://www.enotes.com/macbeth/act-iii-summary-analysis

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    Posted by troutmiller on Wednesday February 25, 2009 at 5:43 AM