'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.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
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
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 "how do you think events would have unfolded if Fleance had been killed too?"
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
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.