Sunday, December 2, 2012

What were the original prophecies given to Macbeth and Banquo?

The witches prophecy to Macbeth is straightforward:

"First Witch. All hall, Macbeth! hail to thee,
Thane of Glamis!
Sec. Witch. All hail, Macbeth! hall to thee,
Thane of Cawdor!
Third Witch. All hail, Macbeth! that shalt be
king hereafter." (Shakespeare) 

For Banquo, the message is more veiled: 

"Third Witch. Thou shalt get kings, though
thou be none:
So, all hail, Macbeth and Banquo!"

When the two of them talk about the prophecy, it is clear that Banquo will be father to kings, and therefore greater than Macbeth.

"Ban. Were such things here as we do speak
about?
Or have we eaten on the insane root
That takes the reason prisoner?
Macb. Your children shall be kings.
Ban. You shall be king." (Shakespeare) 

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