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Readers and viewers of the Shakespearean play were able to compare the different reactions of fellow Generals and friends Macbeth [c. 1014-August 15, 1057] and Banquo in two instances. One was regarding the witches' predictions. Macbeth's initial reaction was fear [Act 1 Scene 3 Lines 51-52] and then complete disbelief [Line 74]. Banquo's initial reaction was aggressive, competitive, and skeptical [Lines 57-61]. He complained that the witches hadn't shared any predictions with him. He then told them to tell him what they knew. And he let the witches know that he wasn't impressed easily and couldn't be intimidated. The second instance was regarding the murder of King Duncan I [d. August 14, 1040]. Macduff discovered the bloodied corpses and the bloodied crime scene. Once again, Macbeth's reaction to the news was disbelief, in Act 2 Scene 3 Line 62. The ever-skeptical Banquo refused to believe Macduff, in Lines 82-83.

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Assuming the question refers to Macbeth's and Banquo's first meeting with the wyrd sisters, Macbeth immediately begins to consider becoming King. He ponders whether he need do anything as the sister's prophecy, if true, will occur with or without his help. He then considers how many are in line for the throne of Duncan, before he is next in line; he marvels that he is referred to as a Thane or Earl. Macbeth quickly becomes consumed by ambition and fear. He begins plotting his way to kingship, and fears the consequences if he fails.

Banquo, on the other hand, does not consider the prophecy for his future to be significant. He says that the devil can assume the forms of the wyrd sisters, predict small things that come true, then when ambition leads to further, more dangerous acts, the prophecies prove false and the devil takes the soul.

Banquo's character serves as a contrast to Macbeth. Banquo is honorable and faithful to Duncan, and when Macbeth has Banquo murdered to make Macbeth's path to the throne clear, it is Banquo's ghost that haunts Macbeth. Macbeth serves to represent raw, cold ambition, and Banquo represents honor, loyalty, and order.

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Q: How did Macbeth reactions differ from banquo?
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What is the difference between Macbeth's and Banquo's reactions to the witches How will this affect the whole play?

Macbeth takes them more seriously than Banquo. There is nothing Banquo could do anyway to make his children become kings without him becoming a king himself. But Banquo, despite his lighthearted reaction to the witches, does not forget them. In Act II Scene 1 he says to Macbeth, "I dreamt last night of the three weird sisters. To you they have shown some truth." So perhaps there is not such a difference between their reactions after all.The difference between the witches' predictions for Macbeth and those for Banquo are that the ones for Macbeth are being fulfilled even as they speak, whereas Banquo's will not happen in his lifetime. There is no incentive for Banquo to try to hurry them on; there is such an incentive for Macbeth. It is this and not their reactions which send Macbeth and Banquo down separate paths in the play.


What does Macbeth see at the party that no one else does?

Macbeth sees the ghost of the recently murdered Banquo.


Is Lady Macbeth aware that Macbeth has planned the death of Banquo and fleance?

No, Lady Macbeth is not aware that Macbeth has planned the death of Banquo and Fleance.


Who killed banquo?

Macbeth kills him because Banquo starts to work out that Macbeth killed dDuncan


How does banquo's reaction to the witches differ from Macbeth?

The witches address Macbeth first, and so Banquo says "But what about meeee? Tell meeee a prophecy." And so they do, but it is a prophecy which will not take place in Banquo's lifetime. He will not be around to see any of his descendants crowned. So he doesn't care much about it. Macbeth's prediction, on the other hand, will have to come true in his lifetime or not at all. Macbeth is naturally more caught up in the possibility the prophecy raises.

Related questions

What is the difference between Macbeth's and Banquo's reactions to the witches How will this affect the whole play?

Macbeth takes them more seriously than Banquo. There is nothing Banquo could do anyway to make his children become kings without him becoming a king himself. But Banquo, despite his lighthearted reaction to the witches, does not forget them. In Act II Scene 1 he says to Macbeth, "I dreamt last night of the three weird sisters. To you they have shown some truth." So perhaps there is not such a difference between their reactions after all.The difference between the witches' predictions for Macbeth and those for Banquo are that the ones for Macbeth are being fulfilled even as they speak, whereas Banquo's will not happen in his lifetime. There is no incentive for Banquo to try to hurry them on; there is such an incentive for Macbeth. It is this and not their reactions which send Macbeth and Banquo down separate paths in the play.


Do Macbeth and Banquo have the same reaction to Ross' news?

No, Macbeth and Banquo have different reactions to Ross' news. Macbeth is intrigued and disturbed by the news of becoming Thane of Cawdor, while Banquo remains skeptical and cautious about the witches' prophecies. Macbeth is more ambitious and willing to act upon the prophecy, while Banquo is more reserved and wary.


Who kills Banquo in the play?

Macbeth kills Banquo in the play and then Banquo's ghost haunts Macbeth.


What was the name of Macbeth's best friend?

Macbeth's best friend was Banquo. They fought together in battle before Macbeth's rise to power.


What does Macbeth see at the party that no one else does?

Macbeth sees the ghost of the recently murdered Banquo.


Who played in The Killing?

Macbeth kills Banquo in the play and then Banquo's ghost haunts Macbeth.


What agreement is reached by Macbeth and Banquo at the end of the scene?

At the end of Act 1, Scene 3, Macbeth and Banquo agree to discuss the prophecies of the witches further at a later time. They decide to meet again to share their thoughts and reactions to what they have heard.


Is Lady Macbeth aware that Macbeth has planned the death of Banquo and fleance?

No, Lady Macbeth is not aware that Macbeth has planned the death of Banquo and Fleance.


In English literature who kills Banquo in Macbeth?

Macbeth's soldiers do not kill Banquo, Macbeth hires three murderers to do the job.


Who killed banquo?

Macbeth kills him because Banquo starts to work out that Macbeth killed dDuncan


What is Macbeth's suspicion in act 3?

In Act 3 of Macbeth, Macbeth becomes suspicious that Banquo poses a threat to his throne. He worries that Banquo's descendants will inherit the crown, as the witches prophesied. This suspicion leads Macbeth to plot Banquo's murder.


Why doesn't Macbeth confide in Banjo?

Macbeth doesn't confide in Banquo because he sees Banquo as a threat to his ambition. Banquo's descendants are said to be kings according to the witches' prophecy, which poses a risk to Macbeth's position as king. Macbeth becomes increasingly paranoid and seeks to eliminate anyone who might challenge his rule.