Causes Of Banquo Responsible For The Downfall Of Macbeth

In William Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth, the Thane of Glamis at first felt no allure towards power, but soon becomes obsessed with it, leading to a trying tale of his ascension to power and eventual defeat. On the other hand, Banquo at first became extremely keen on what the witches had to say. Banquo’s inquisitiveness leads to Macbeth’s development of a violent nature while Macbeth’s inquisitiveness fuels his own downfall. At first, Macbeth’s violent rise to power is sparked by Banquo’s curiosity and Banquo’s interest in power. When the witches prophesize about Macbeth’s ascent to kingship, Banquo responds: “Things that do sound so fair? —I’ th’ name of truth, / Are you fantastical, or that indeed / Which outwardly you show?” (1.3.55-57).

Desiring further information on the prophecy, Banquo disregards the fact that it is not about himself, leaving no chance for Macbeth to voice any thoughts of his own. Banquo reveals that his own curiosity is paramount to Macbeth’s desires, even in the face of business that does not involve him:

To me you speak not.

If you can look into the seeds of time …

Speak, then, to me… (1.3.60.63)

After hearing the power Macbeth will obtain as part of his destiny, Banquo wonders what power lies in store for himself in the near future and cannot help but burst and voice his interest. Facing his own destiny, Macbeth had no immediate questions to ask the witches even though they spoke with extreme vagueness. It is only after Banquo has received his portion of the prophecy that Macbeth responds with anything to say. In such a situation, one would usually be overflowing with immediate inquiries, yet Macbeth only had a few sentences to say at the end of the prophecy. Also, Macbeth clearly did not believe in the prophecy as much as Banquo did, and made it

Visited by the witches a second time while holding his kingship, Macbeth says: “Tell me, thou unknown power—” (4.1.77). After seeing the truth in the first prophecy, Macbeth sees a chance to learn more of his destiny and thirsts to know more. Holding the title of king, Macbeth commands the first apparition to tell him more, clearly used to wielding high power. The witches obligingly reveal more of his future and after being told no man born of a woman can kill Macbeth, he replies: “Then live, Macduff; what need I fear of thee? / But yet I’ll make assurance double sure / And take a bond of fate. Thou shalt not live,” (4.1.93-95). Curious of the prophecy to see if he himself knew a man not born from a woman, Macbeth in effect asks himself a rhetorical question, strengthening his belief that no such man exists. Through such a manner, Macbeth builds up his own confidence and hubris. Once again exhibiting his newly developed violent nature, Macbeth decides to kill Macduff even though Macbeth does not think of him as a threat. By choosing so, Macbeth slaughters Macduff’s wife and children, gaining Macbeth an influential nemesis that will chase him until one or the other dies. Confident that he has no one to worry about, Macbeth does not worry of the consequence. In addition, when the witches tell him he will not die until a forest moves, Macbeth