Banquo's Use Of Delusions In Macbeth

“That function is smothered in surmise / And nothing is but what is not” (1.3.154–55). Macbeth says this to himself in Shakespeare’s Macbeth when he imagines committing regicide to claim the throne to fulfill a prophecy. Macbeth’s inner turmoil contrasts with Banquo, his foil, who is in a similar situation to him. Whereas Macbeth lets his imagination run wild with thoughts of killing the king, Banquo considers the sensible possibility that the witches are simply trying to trick them. Macbeth’s vivid imaginations open the possibility of murder. His inner monologue points to the ongoing theme throughout Macbeth that pursuit of power is closely tied to delusion, in the form of hallucinations and paranoia. The word “surmise,” meaning an idea formed

From the start, Macbeth’s journey to gain power is associated with the supernatural. Macbeth’s very first line in the play begins with “So foul and fair a day I have not seen” (1.3.39), paralleling one of the witches’ earlier lines: “Fair is foul, and foul is fair” (1.1.12). The association between Macbeth, power and the supernatural continues into the first scene where he performs as the king. During a feast, Macbeth hallucinates the ghost of Banquo, whom he just had assassinated. He speaks to Banquo’s ghost: “When now I think you can behold such sights / And keep the natural ruby of your cheeks / When mine is blanched with fear” (3.4.139–41). Banquo’s dead ghost, described as having a “natural ruby” color, contrasts with how Macbeth describes his own face as “blanched,” meaning colorless and white. This description emphasizes that Banquo’s ghostly, haggard form is still more natural and alive than Macbeth’s. When describing Banquo, Macbeth also uses the phrase “I think”, reinforcing the idea that these images and thoughts are Macbeth’s alone. Macbeth hallucinating in his very first scene as king, sets the stage for Macbeth’s power being associated with hallucinations for the rest of the

To lessen his fears of Macduff, Macbeth decides to kill him to prevent this fate. He proclaims, “Then live, Macduff. What need I fear of thee? / But yet I’ll make assurance double sure” (4.1.93–96). “What need I fear of thee?” is a rhetorical question; however, Macbeth still phrases the line as a question and not a statement to emphasize his self-doubt. The question reflects Macbeth’s paranoia, as despite his certainty that no man of a woman born can kill him, he still fears Macduff. Boldly claiming that he will make “assurance,” Macbeth declares confidence in his victory; however, assurance has a second meaning: arrogant boldness. This word choice fits, as Macbeth begins to believe he is invincible in this scene. To “make double” his assurance, Macbeth kills exactly two people: Macduff’s wife and son. Expressing a similar fear over a threat to his position, Macbeth orders Banquo’s death. He describes his apprehension of Banquo to several contracted murderers: “Our fears in Banquo / Stick deep” (3.1.53-54). Throughout the entire play, Banquo has shown no indication of threatening Macbeth. The witches designate Banquo in their prophecies as “[l]esser than Macbeth and greater” in his sense of morality (1.3.68). Even so, Macbeth unjustifiably views him as a threat. Banquo is also described by Macbeth as having a “royalty of nature,” contrasting with how Macbeth gains his royalty through