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

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

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.

Answer 3

Banquo will not be a king but Macbeth will, that makes Banquo lesser. But Banquo will have many royal descendants and Macbeth will not, and that makes Banquo greater. "Happy" here means "fortunate" Banquo will be unfortunate in that he will die young and will not reach a position of high authority. But he will keep his honour to the end, and will never end up despised by everyone and eaten up by paranoia, insomnia and guilt, as Macbeth will.