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Year 11
AQA

'Macbeth': exploring Banquo and the chivalric code

I can compare Macbeth and Banquo to explore how Shakespeare presents the importance of the chivalric code.

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Year 11
AQA

'Macbeth': exploring Banquo and the chivalric code

I can compare Macbeth and Banquo to explore how Shakespeare presents the importance of the chivalric code.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Banquo acts a foil to Macbeth because his loyalty outweighs his ambition.
  2. Banquo's son, Fleance, acts as a stark reminder of Macbeth's own lack of heir.
  3. King James I was believed to be a direct ancestor of the real Banquo.
  4. Shakespeare uses Macbeth's relationship with Banquo to warn against disobeying the natural order.
  5. Fleance's survival can be viewed as a reward for Banquo's loyalty.

Keywords

  • Chivalric code - the chivalric code is an informal code of conduct that many men agreed to live by. It included honour, honesty and loyalty

  • Aside - an aside is a stage direction where dialogue is intentionally delivered to be heard by the audience, but not the other characters on stage

  • Scepticism - people show scepticism when they doubt the truth of something

  • Fervour - fervour means intense or passionate feeling.

  • Apocalyptic - if something is described as apocalyptic it is catastrophic as it is being compared to the end of the world

Common misconception

Banquo's main purpose in the play is to act as a foil, highlighting Macbeth's treachery.

Explore the purpose of Fleance, by asking pupils how they think events would have unfolded if Fleance had been killed too.

When discussing what could be included in an essay about Banquo, be prepared to reference ideas pupils may have used in other Macbeth essays they have written for you, highlighting how each essay does not always require new ideas.
Teacher tip

Equipment

You will need a copy of the extract taken from Act 1, Scene 3 of 'Macbeth' which is available in the additional materials.

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
In 'Macbeth' what is the witches' prophecy for Banquo?
Banquo will become Thane of Fife.
Banquo will become Thane of Cawdor.
Banquo will become king.
Banquo's son will become Thane of Cawdor.
Correct answer: Banquo's son will become king.
Q2.
Which of the statements below best describes Macbeth's initial reaction to the witches' prophecies in 'Macbeth'?
Macbeth is disgusted by their prophecies.
Correct answer: Macbeth is intrigued by their prophecies.
Macbeth is afraid of their prophecies.
Macbeth is extremely excited by their prophecies.
Q3.
In 'Macbeth' when Banquo says the witches are 'instruments of darkness', what language device is Shakespeare using?
Correct Answer: Metaphor, a metaphor
Q4.
An 'aside' is a stage direction, but what does it mean?
It tells the actor which side of the stage to stand on.
Correct answer: It is intentional and deliberate speech for the audience's ears only.
The actor should be off-stage, only their voice should be heard.
A monologue where a character explains their internal thoughts and feelings.
Q5.
Match the character from 'Macbeth' to the fate they suffer.
Correct Answer:King Duncan,is killed in his sleep by Macbeth

is killed in his sleep by Macbeth

Correct Answer:Banquo,is murdered by assassins, on the instruction of Macbeth

is murdered by assassins, on the instruction of Macbeth

Correct Answer:Fleance, Banquo's son,,escapes from the murderers sent by Macbeth

escapes from the murderers sent by Macbeth

Correct Answer:Macbeth,is murdered in a violent battle by Macduff

is murdered in a violent battle by Macduff

Q6.
Select the best inferences about the significance of Banquo's ghost in 'Macbeth'.
Correct answer: Banquo's ghost represents Macbeth's guilt.
Banquo's ghost shows Banquo will never forgive Macbeth.
Correct answer: Banquo's ghost further isolates Macbeth from his wife.
Banquo's ghost is a reminder that the supernatural is real.

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
The four values of the chivalric code are, honour, honesty, valour and .
Correct Answer: loyalty
Q2.
Starting with the first, put the three steps of an excellent introduction in order.
1 - A powerful statement about the text as a whole.
2 - Focus on the key words in the question.
3 - Introduce a specific argument via your thesis statement.
Q3.
Which of the quotations below are from Banquo's reaction to the witches' prophecies in 'Macbeth'?
Correct answer: "'Tis strange"
Correct answer: "The instruments of darkness"
"As happy prologues to the swelling act"
"Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair?"
Q4.
What does 'fervour' mean?
Correct answer: An intense feeling or emotion.
A feeling of doubt or unease.
A catastrophic reaction.
Q5.
Select the ways in which Banquo is used as a construct in 'Macbeth'.
Correct answer: Banquo acts as a foil to Macbeth.
Correct answer: The consequences of Banquo's murder act as a warning against disloyalty.
Banquo represents King James I.
Q6.
Select the best inferences about the importance of Banquo in 'Macbeth'.
Correct answer: The prophecy about Banquo's son is a catalyst for Macbeth's paranoia.
Banquo is a honest and loyal servant of King Duncan.
Banquo's death is cruel and undeserved.
Correct answer: Banquo's ghost drives Macbeth to isolate himself, furthering his downfall.

Additional material

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