Approaches to Macbeth
As time is limited, it is important to “hit the ground running” and have a strong start, or introduction, to an essay. Click on each opening paragraph written in response to the question, “Write about Banquo and the way he is presented in Macbeth”. When you have read each, click on the "comments" button to see what the principal examiner thought. Which opening is the best, in your opinion? Return to this screen after considering all three paragraphs to see the principal examiner's overall comments.
Overall commentary: There are positive points in all of these responses. They all address the audience’s first impressions of Banquo, but Example 3 is the strongest of the three, as it has more of an overview, and gets a bit closer to Shakespeare’s language and its effects. Even though Example 2 used the word “metaphor”, Example 3 would get AO2 credit for exploring the imagery.
Read the opening paragraph and discuss its strengths and weaknesses before looking at the comments.
Read the opening paragraph and discuss its strengths and weaknesses before looking at the comments.
Shakespeare presents Banquo in 'Macbeth' as a man of great valour and friendship. Macbeth and Banquo were described by the Captain as 'cannons over-charged with double cracks' in battle which is a good metaphor to show the audience that even though they must have been tired from the previous battle, they joined together as friends and fought fiercely, as though there was twice the man power.
Read the opening paragraph and discuss its strengths and weaknesses before looking at the comments.
Banquo is Macbeth's best friend and is an important character in Macbeth until Macbeth murders him. At the start of the play Banquo is portrayed as a fighter. He is shown to be powerful and brave, ' they were as canons overcharge with double crack'. He and Macbeth were as powerful as four men on the battle field. They had double the power of the average man. 'bathe in reeking wounds', this shows Banquo could be ruthless as he made so much bloodshed in other people that he could bathe in it.
Banquo at first seems like he is an unimportant character, but Banquo is actually quite interesting if you look closer.Banquo is as honourable and brave as Macbeth but after the battle it is only Macbeth who receives a reward but King Duncan calls him 'noble' which means he is loyal and truthful. Banquo is what I believe to be the other part of Macbeth the path he didn't take, the good side.