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.
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.
In Shakespeare's "Macbeth," the witches tell Banquo that he will be "lesser than Macbeth, and greater," implying that while he won't achieve the same level of power as Macbeth, he will be more morally upright. They also prophesy that his descendants will be kings, suggesting that although Banquo himself may not attain the throne, his lineage will eventually rule. This duality highlights the contrast between Banquo's integrity and Macbeth's ambition.
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)
The witches say to Banquo, "Lesser than Macbeth, and greater. Not so happy, yet much happier. Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none." These prophecies suggest that Banquo's descendants will inherit the throne instead of him.
The predictions meant that Macbeth wouldn't be succeeded, as King of Scotland, by any descendants that he might have. In Act 1 Scene 3 of the Shakespearean play, friends and fellow Generals Macbeth [c. 1014-August 15, 1057] and Banquo were given three sets of predictions by the three witches. For Banquo, it was predicted that he'd be lesser and greater than Macbeth. That meant that he'd achieve greatness through a lower job title than Macbeth. It also was predicted that Banquo would be less happy and happier than Macbeth. That meant that he'd be more content with a less charmed, less fortunate, less prominent life than Macbeth. And it was predicted that Banquo wouldn't be king. Instead, he'd be the ancestor to a long line of Kings of Scotland.
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!
On the heath, the witches prophesied that Macbeth would become the Thane of Cawdor and eventually the King of Scotland, while also revealing that Banquo's descendants would inherit the throne, even though he himself would not be king. They hailed Macbeth as "thane of Glamis," "thane of Cawdor," and "king hereafter," while telling Banquo that he would be "lesser than Macbeth, and greater," and that he would father a line of kings. These prophecies ignited Macbeth's ambition and set the tragic events of the play into motion.
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
The phrase "Not so happy yet much happier" from Shakespeare's Macbeth can be interpreted as Macbeth acknowledging that although he has achieved his initial goal of becoming king, he is not truly happy because of the guilt and paranoia that come with his actions. However, he also feels a sense of power and accomplishment, which makes him "much happier" in a superficial sense. This phrase reflects the complex emotions and inner conflict that Macbeth experiences throughout the play as he grapples with his ambition and the consequences of his actions.
He does not resent Banquo, he is jealous of him. From the beginning Banquo has more kinglike qualities. And the witches told Banquo that his son will rule, an heir during this time period is very important, and to some rulers more important than ruling.
Banquo: What are these, so withered and wild in their attire that they look not like the inhabitants o' the earth and yet are on't? . . . You seem to understand me, by each at onceher choppy finger laying upon her skinny lips; you should be women, yet your beards forbid me to interpret that you are so.