Question

what psychological effect does shakespeare achieve by having banquos ghost sit in macbeths chair?
○ the ghost represents the witches attempt to frighten macbeth.
○ the ghost is primarily meant to show how weak - willed macbeth is.
○ the ghost represents macbeths guilt and his fears regarding the security of his throne.
○ the ghost is meant to frighten the audience.

Explanation:

In Macbeth, Banquo's ghost appears to Macbeth. The witches' influence is more through their prophecies. Macbeth is not just weak - willed; his actions are driven by ambition. The ghost's main role is not to frighten the audience in a general sense. Macbeth has killed Banquo out of fear for his throne (as Banquo's descendants are prophesied to be kings). The appearance of Banquo's ghost in his chair symbolizes Macbeth's guilt for the murder and his ongoing fear about the security of his rule.

Answer:

The ghost represents Macbeth’s guilt and his fears regarding the security of his throne.