Question

macbeth act 2 scene 1
inner thoughts
instructions: macbeth is a play in which we repeatedly see characters act or say one thing but feel another. the following short exchange between macbeth and banquo is revealing. in the spaces below, describe how the character really feels, despite what he might be saying.
what the character is saying | what the character is really feeling
banquo: alls well.
i dreamt last night of the three weird sisters:
to you they have showd some truth. |
macbeth: i think not of them;
yet, when we can entreat an hour to serve,
we would spend it in some words upon that business, / if you would grant the time |
banquo: at your kindst leisure. |
macbeth: if you shall cleave to my consent, when tis, / it shall make honour for you. |
banquo: so i lose none
in seeking to augment it, but still keep
my bosom franchised and allegiance clear, / i shall be counselld. |

questions:

1. what does macbeth mean in the following line: \if you shall cleave to my consent, when tis, / it shall make honour for you\?
2. what does banquos response reveal about how he is feeling about his friend macbeth? why might he feel this way?
3. what do these lines reveal about banquo?

Explanation:

To solve these questions, we analyze the dialogue from Macbeth:

Question 1:

Macbeth’s line (“If you shall cleave to my consent, when ’tis, / It shall make honour for you”) implies he is offering Banquo a deal. “Cleave to my consent” means align with his plans (likely related to the witches’ prophecies and his ambition). “Make honour for you” suggests he promises Banquo rewards or status if Banquo supports him. He is covertly recruiting Banquo’s loyalty for his schemes.

Question 2:

Banquo’s response (“So I lose none / In seeking to augment it, but still keep / My bosom franchised and allegiance clear, / I shall be counsell’d”) reveals wariness. He agrees to listen but insists on keeping his “allegiance clear” (loyalty to the rightful order) and not losing integrity (“lose none in seeking to augment” his honor). He feels suspicious of Macbeth’s motives, likely because Macbeth’s actions (or the witches’ prophecies) hint at dishonesty, so Banquo protects his moral and political loyalty.

Question 3:

These lines reveal Banquo’s integrity and caution. He values honor (“lose none in seeking to augment it”) and loyalty (“allegiance clear”), showing he is principled, distrustful of Macbeth’s shady offers, and determined to act ethically while navigating Macbeth’s ambitions.

Answer:

1. Macbeth means he will give Banquo honor/rewards if Banquo supports his plans (likely related to the witches’ prophecies and his schemes).

2. Banquo feels wary/suspicious of Macbeth. He agrees to listen but insists on keeping his loyalty and integrity, implying he distrusts Macbeth’s motives (possibly sensing dishonesty in Macbeth’s offers).

3. The lines reveal Banquo is principled, cautious, and loyal to moral/political duty. He prioritizes honor and clear allegiance, showing he will not compromise his integrity even as he engages with Macbeth.