Following Macbeth's betrayal of his once-close friend and his order for a collection of killers to assassinate Banquo and his son Fleance, the Banquet scene promptly occurs. It is a pivotal moment in the narrative where multiple significant developments take place.
As all of the witch's previous predictions come to fruition, Macbeth believes them when they say that although Banquo will never be king, his descendants will. Macbeth then decides to send an order to kill both Banquo and his son. This leads him to question the usefulness of his throne if it will inevitably be taken by Fleance. Even though Banquo is killed, Fleance manages to escape. The audience is privy to Banquo's gory death while the rest of the cast remains unaware until one of the murderers shows up at the banquet.
Utilizing dramatic irony throughout the play creates a captivating experien
...ce for both theater and video audiences. It gives a stronger connection to the plot and characters. Macbeth's asides often include puns that only the audience can appreciate, further enhancing the dramatic irony. Combining these techniques effectively engages and involves the audience throughout the production.
At the Banquet, the murderer's appearance has various effects. While we know his identity and anticipate ominous events, the Lords, who are all elegantly dressed, must wonder about the identity of the haggard commoner conversing with the king. The murderer informs Macbeth of the recent events and his anger over the escape of Fleance, whom he intended to kill to supersede Macbeth. Observers question Macbeth's behavior during the banquet scene, as he shows no guilt after orchestrating the murder of his best friend, unlike when he killed Duncan. The importanc
of the Banquet to Macbeth is significant because it is his first formal gathering with all his Lords since becoming King. He seeks to make a good impression and appear worthy of the throne despite awareness to the contrary. When Macbeth states he will "play the humble host," it comes across as sincere to guests but ironic to us as we know he killed Duncan.
The notion of "play" is employed by the protagonist while performing, acknowledging that he is undeserving of the crown, nonetheless obliged to behave accordingly to his rank. Moreover, this word choice adds to a recurring theme present in the narrative: the dichotomy between what appears to be and what really is. At the start of the sequence, the Macbeths strive to socialize with their respected visitors, as they are under considerable stress to make an impression. Everything flows smoothly until the murderer enters the scene...
At a high profile gathering, it is shocking to see the killer of someone previously murdered amongst the company. The murderer's presence is incongruous with his surroundings, making it more shocking. Macbeth praises the murderer upon hearing what he accomplished, saying "Thou art the best o' th' cut-throats." This praise causes Macbeth to feel relieved, which contrasts with his guilt after dispatching Duncan. This creates a significant character change and draws the audience in, wondering how the story will progress. This starts a role reversal between Lady Macbeth and Macbeth, as Lady Macbeth was initially more domineering. The conversation also reveals that Fleance managed to escape from the murderers. Macbeth then exclaims, "then here comes my fit again, I had else been perfect," invoking the
possibility of his madness returning, as happened when he followed a supernatural dagger to Duncan.
He then states, "But now I am cabined, cribbed, confined, bound to saucy doubts and fears." The use of alliteration emphasizes the oppressive atmosphere, followed by his question regarding Banquo's safety. The first murderer responds, "safe in a ditch he bides." The choice of the word 'safe' contrasts with the context of the question, highlighting Macbeth's security in Banquo's absence. Shakespeare effectively utilizes this technique. Macbeth notes that "there the grown serpent lies," creating a snake-like image which Lady Macbeth previously illustrated, showcasing their gradual role reversal. Additionally, the term "serpent" may be interpreted as Banquo causing trouble; however, it is his son who shall follow in his footsteps, developing into a dangerous beast without Macbeth's guidance. Banquo's absence leaves Macbeth unable to direct his growth and influence. It is crucial to remain cautious.
Lady Macbeth prompts her husband to fulfill his duties after the murderer leaves. Macbeth bids his guests farewell and invites them to enjoy their meal. He then raises the subject of Banquo, which seems to summon the apparition. While Macbeth observes Banquo sitting in his throne, only he can see him. It is not until the ghost turns around that Macbeth realizes it is Banquo. The irony of Banquo seated in the throne is that, despite being king, Macbeth knows that Banquo deserves it more. However, this may be a foreshadowing of what Banquo's son will ultimately achieve.
As Macbeth refuses to sit, he perceives the reality of the situation and believes he belongs there. Similarly, the audience shares the same sentiment. There are various reasons for
the ghost's appearance such as Macbeth's guilt that lurks in his mind or his madness, evident from his "fit comes again", a sign of imminent insanity. Another explanation could be the power of witches that taunt and mock him unseen. However, madness seems more plausible since the audience recalls the fanciful dagger that led him to Duncan. The ghost's presence has a profound effect on the play as multiple events follow immediately, which captures and captivates the audience's attention.
Macbeth's belief is that the ghost he has seen is not Duncan, but rather Banquo, who was his best friend. This betrayal has made it difficult for Macbeth to kill Banquo. However, this adds to the drama for the audience. The fact that Macbeth cannot turn back confirms his choice and determination to proceed further down this path. When Macbeth first sees the ghost of Banquo, he exclaims, "Which of you have done this?" The Lords are completely bewildered and have no idea what he is talking about. They are puzzled and confused as they observe Macbeth's strange behavior.
The audience begins to suspect that Macbeth is losing his sanity when they also perceive the presence of a ghost. This creates confusion, leading the audience to wonder whether the ghost is real and targeting Macbeth, or alternatively, we are given a deeper insight into Macbeth's psyche compared to the other characters in the play. Macbeth becomes agitated and exclaims "Thou canst not say I did it; never shake thy gory locks at me," causing the Lords to become bewildered. If this version of the play includes a visible ghost, the audience can empathise with Macbeth's turmoil. However,
if the ghost is not present, they will share the same confusion as the Lords in regards to his behaviour. The term 'gory' is a recurring motif throughout the play, referencing bloodshed. Lady Macbeth believes her husband has gone insane, reflecting on the time when he followed an imaginary dagger towards Duncan. The pace of the story slows as Lady Macbeth takes centre stage, drawing attention away from Macbeth and focusing on her own actions, reminiscent of her fainting when learning of Duncan's death.
Lady Macbeth points out to the guests that the occurrence is usual and has always been so. She endeavors to downplay it and divert the Lord's attention. However, she then addresses her husband with anger, questioning his masculinity. This reminder of her tactics to persuade him to execute Duncan reflects her routine approach whenever she requires her husband to comply. Despite this, Macbeth sees Banquo and does not succumb to Lady Macbeth's influence. This situation leaves both of them feeling frustrated; Lady Macbeth does not understand why she cannot get through to her husband, while Macbeth cannot comprehend why nobody else perceives the nightmarish figure before him. Lady Macbeth's speech is characterized by a powerful sense of panic, indicating great frustration at her inability to reason with Macbeth.
Lady Macbeth's control over Macbeth is slipping while he appears to be taking more control over his own actions, disregarding Lady Macbeth. She was initially composed while addressing the Lords, but quickly lost composure. Macbeth confidently proposes a toast to Banquo, believing the ghost has vanished and feeling triumphant. However, as the ghost returns, Macbeth's fast-paced rant intensifies the atmosphere in a
mocking manner.
The text repeats the blood imagery found throughout, with mention of how Macbeth's bones lack marrow and his blood is cold. The speech's pace creates a sense of panic. While some Lords seem intrigued by Macbeth's constant fighting with an unseen specter, others grow weary, skeptical of his leadership, or slightly amused by it all.
As Macbeth may reveal his actions to the Lords and risk being exposed, the audience becomes excited and absorbed in the story. Banquo's ghost finally disappearing causes Macbeth to exclaim, "I am a man again". This contrasts with his former heroic self in battle, as he confesses to being unable to handle the undead spectre. His exclamation signifies him feeling like himself again without feeling challenged by the spirit. Despite his efforts to continue the evening, Lady Macbeth notes that "You have displaced the mirth, broke the good meeting with most admired disorder".
Despite Macbeth's confusion about her anger, Lady Macbeth expresses her fury towards her husband for what she perceives as a targeted attack towards her. She continues to cover for him when questioned by Ross, as she has done throughout the play during the banquet and Duncan scenes. Eventually, Lady Macbeth suggests that the Lords leave, leading to a hectic ending where she appears almost twitching with rage. The day is ruined and all is not well. After the Banquet, Macbeth and his wife are left alone.
Macbeth makes around five references to blood from this point onwards in the scene. He's growing increasingly paranoid about his surroundings, with the blood haunting him like Banquo. His solution is to eliminate more people to calm his mind. As a
result of this, we no longer empathize with Macbeth and sympathize more with Lady Macbeth. This denotes the drastic role reversal in their characters, where Macbeth lacks any remorse or guilt and has become merciless. Our detachment from him is much greater than earlier in the play. Lady Macbeth's involvement in Macbeth's plans has reduced significantly, as he no longer requires her guidance or understanding of his objectives.
The dominance has shifted to him in the pair and Macbeth's final line "We are yet but young in deed" indicates that their bloodshed is only just starting. This ominous conclusion implies the continuation of more killings, leaving the audience on edge and eager to see what happens next. The Banquet scene is highly dramatic with several key points that add to the tension, including the shocking appearance of the murderer and the setting of night-time, which reflects the foreboding events. However, the most iconic and dramatic moment was undoubtedly the appearance of Banquo's ghost. In the production witnessed, not only was the ghost visible to the audience, but his condition worsened with each appearance, adding to the intensity of this scene.
While some productions choose not to include a ghost in Macbeth, I find it more impactful when present, despite the risk of audience detachment. Overall, I believe this scene to be crucial in creating tension and drama, making it a compelling part of the story whether read or watched.
