Macbeth - Lesson 10 - Macbeth and Banquo Worksheet

In a worksheet designed to explore the characters of Macbeth and Banquo from Shakespeare's tragedy "Macbeth," students are prompted to examine the similarities and differences between the two men. Initially, both Macbeth and Banquo are presented as valiant warriors with a strong sense of loyalty to King Duncan. This shared characteristic sets a foundation for their roles at the beginning of the play. Additionally, the two characters are bound by the experience of receiving prophecies from the witches, which foreshadow their respective futures and set the stage for the unfolding drama.

Despite these similarities, Macbeth and Banquo diverge significantly in their reactions and paths as the play progresses. The worksheet highlights Banquo's more relaxed and casual demeanor when conversing with the witches, contrasting with Macbeth's eventual deep entanglement with their predictions. Through the exploration of these characters, students are encouraged to consider the broader key themes of the play that Macbeth and Banquo might represent. The task prompts a deeper analysis of how each character's actions and fate contribute to the overarching narrative and moral questions posed by Shakespeare in this dark and powerful work.