|
|
This is only a preview of the paper
Click here to register and get the full text.
Existing members click here to login
|
|
|
In the first two acts of the play Shakespeare shows the audience the differences between the characters of Macbeth and Banquo. This is done by comparing what they say and their reactions to the events which take place. Macbeth is the first character introduced in the play when he is mentioned by the witches. Shakespeare is telling us that Macbeth is the most important character and the focus of the play. “There to meet with Macbeth” (1.1.8) This is one of the first things said in the play. In act one scene two, Malcolm, the king, asks a soldier on the battlefield about the battle. The soldier replies with a complimentary statement about Macbeth: Captain: “For brave Macbeth well he deserves that name...” This reinforces the audiences views about Macbeth. He is an important character, a brave war hero and a loyal subject of the king. “Disdaining fortune with his brandished steel which smoked with bloody execution.” Banquo receives hardly a mention at this point. Ironically, this will later be proved wrong when Macbeth begins to plot against the king and Banquo proves his allegiance. Shakespeare has successfully introduced and promoted Macbeth’s status in the play whilst Banquo is shown to be an important but secondary character who receives little mention in the Captain’s report. In the following scene Macbeth is promoted to ‘Thane of Cawdor’ by Duncan: Duncan: “No more that Thane of Cawdor shall deceive our bosom interest. Go pronounce his present death and with his former title greet Macbeth.” (1.11.63-65.) Banquo is given nothing. This gives the audience knowledge that Macbeth does not yet have, this will become an important peice of dramatic irony when Macbeth and Banquo meet the witches later on.
Approximate Word count = 1070
Approximate Pages = 4.3
(250 words per page double spaced)
|
|
|
|
|
|