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The three witches described Banquo as 'lesser than Macbeth, and greater'. They meant that Banquo was lesser, because he held the same job title whereas Macbeth became Thane of Cawdor in additiion to Thane of Glamis. Banquo didn't get to advance past being Captain. But Macbeth received another noble title, and would become king. Nevertheless, Banquo was greater, because he didn't have Macbeth's fatal flaw of raging ambition and manipulability. Banquo also was greater, because he was going to be the ancestor of a long line of kings. But Macbeth would hold and lose his title, and would have no descendants to succeed him.

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16y ago

This is one of the witches' prophecies for Banquo. On the one hand, Banquo wil be lesser than Macbeth because Macbeth will be king, but Banquo will not. On the other hand, Banquo will be greater than Macbeth because he will remain honorable, whereas Macbeth will commit treason and murder in order to obtain the throne.

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Q: Explain the paradox of Lesser than Macbeth and greater?
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What Is a paradox in Macbeth?

A paradox is an event or image that appears to be in contradiction to the laws of physics; in other words, the writer is describing something that is physically impossible in order to make a point or highlight a particular situation. Water flowing uphill is a common paradox. In Robert Burn's poem, "My Love Is Like a Red, Red Rose," he uses paradox to describe his loyalty, stating that he will love his sweetheart until "all the seas run dry and rocks melt with the sun." Since neither of these events are possible, he is implying that his love is neverending.


What three predictions did the witches make for Banquo?

When Macbeth and Banquo meet the witches after battle, they tell Banquo; - Lesser than Macbeth and greater - Not so happy, yet much happier - Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none. ( you will not be king but your descendants will be)


How do you explain the phrase 'Not so happy yet much happier' in 'Macbeth'?

The three witches described Banquo as 'Not so happy, yet much happier' than Macbeth. They meant that Banquo wasn't going to be as fortunate as Macbeth. Banquo wasn't going to advance any further than being Captain to King Duncan I [d. August 14, 1040]. But Banquo ultimately was going to be more contented. Banquo was going to leave behind a family, and by that family lineBanquo would become the ancestor to a long line of kings. In contrast, Macbeth [d. August 15, 1057] would have no family, and his reign would end with him.


What is Banquo's revenge and describe it?

Banquo had three prophecies: 1. "You are lesser than Macbeth but also greater." 2. "You are not as happy as Macbeth, yet much happier." 3. "Your descendants will be kings but you will not." Hopefully that helps!


What are the witches predictions for Macbeth and Banquo?

Macbeth: all hail Macbeth! hail to thee, thane of Glamis all hail Macbeth, hail to thee, thane of Cawdor all hail Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter Banquo: hail hail hail lesser than Macbeth, and greater not so happy, yet much happier thou shall get kings, though thou be none

Related questions

In what ways is Banquo lesser than Macbeth and greater?

Banquo is lesser than Macbeth in terms of ambition and willingness to pursue power at any cost. However, he is greater than Macbeth in terms of his moral integrity and loyalty to his principles, as he resists the temptation to fulfill the prophecies that predict his descendants will be kings.


What are some paradoxe in Macbeth?

There is a superstition that saying "Macbeth" out loud inside a theater will bring bad luck. This is derived from the story that Shakespeare used actual witches' incantations in the script, and so the witches got mad at him and cursed the play. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are instead called "M" and "Lady M," respectively.


What Is a paradox in Macbeth?

A paradox is an event or image that appears to be in contradiction to the laws of physics; in other words, the writer is describing something that is physically impossible in order to make a point or highlight a particular situation. Water flowing uphill is a common paradox. In Robert Burn's poem, "My Love Is Like a Red, Red Rose," he uses paradox to describe his loyalty, stating that he will love his sweetheart until "all the seas run dry and rocks melt with the sun." Since neither of these events are possible, he is implying that his love is neverending.


What are 8 examples of paradoxes in Act 3 of Macbeth?

"Fair is foul, and foul is fair"- witches paradox "Lesser than Macbeth, and greater." - witches paradox "So foul and fair a day I have not seen." - Macbeth paradox "And yet I would not sleep: Merciful powers, restrain in me the cursed thoughts that nature gives way" - Macbeth paradox "In them nature's copy's not eterne" - Banquo paradox "Time and the hour runs through the roughest day." - Macbeth paradox "When the battle's lost and won." - witches paradox "All hail, Macbeth! hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor!" - Macbeth's prophecy paradox


What is greater than and lesser than?

Greater than > Lesser than <


What do they predict for Banquo in Macbeth?

In Macbeth, the witches predict that Banquo's descendants will be kings, even though Banquo himself will not be. This prophecy ultimately leads to Macbeth's downfall as he becomes obsessed with eliminating any threats to his own position as king.


Summarize the last battle in the story Beowulf?

In the last battle of Beowulf, he fights a dragon that is terrorizing his kingdom. Despite being mortally wounded, Beowulf manages to kill the dragon with the help of Wiglaf, his loyal companion. Beowulf dies from his injuries, but he is mourned as a hero and a great king.


The two large processes of the proximal femur are the greater and lesser?

greater trochanter and lesser trochanter


What three predictions did the witches make for Banquo?

When Macbeth and Banquo meet the witches after battle, they tell Banquo; - Lesser than Macbeth and greater - Not so happy, yet much happier - Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none. ( you will not be king but your descendants will be)


What attaches the greater trochanter to lesser trochanter?

The greater trochanter is attached to the lesser trochanter by large tendons.


Is 5.1 greater or lesser than 5.01?

5.1 is greater than 5.01


Why are the lesser antilles called lesser?

They are smaller then the greater antilles?