'Macbeth': exploring Banquo and the chivalric code
I can compare Macbeth and Banquo to explore how Shakespeare presents the importance of the chivalric code.
'Macbeth': exploring Banquo and the chivalric code
I can compare Macbeth and Banquo to explore how Shakespeare presents the importance of the chivalric code.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Banquo acts a foil to Macbeth because his loyalty outweighs his ambition
- Banquo's son, Fleance, acts as a stark reminder of Macbeth's own lack of heir
- King James I was believed to be a direct ancestor of the real Banquo
- Shakespeare uses Macbeth's relationship with Banquo to warn against disobeying the natural order
- Fleance's survival can be viewed as a reward for Banquo's loyalty
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 "how do you think events would have unfolded if Fleance had been killed too?"
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.
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).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
is killed in his sleep by Macbeth.
is murdered by assassins, on the instruction of Macbeth.
escapes from the murderers.
is murdered in a violent battle by Macduff.