In what ways does Shakespeare make the Banqueting scene dramatic?

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In what ways does Shakespeare make the Banqueting scene dramatic?

Through the drama of the play ‘Macbeth’, Shakespeare clearly wishes to examine the supernatural elements to illustrate guilt and consciousness caused by witchcraft and demonology. Thus, in examining these elements, Shakespeare’s dramatises Macbeth’s sociological affect on Duncan; to convey the importance of kingship and the consequences of particular choices.

Firstly, Macbeth’s ideas of becoming king after receiving the prophecies from the witches had become very strong. Thus, His excitement prompted him to find out more from the witches ‘tell me more’ he asks them.  Macbeth believed the knowledge given by them to be true. This curiosity suggests why he was so determined to become king. ‘My thought, whose murder is yet but fantastical’ Macbeth thought, the only way to become king was to kill Duncan. Furthermore, the king was God’s representative on earth and was chosen by god; hence, to kill the king would upset the natural order. Macbeth did not want to kill Duncan, but he wanted to fulfil his ambition of becoming king, therefore, the only way to do this was by killing Duncan. Although, the prophecies were given both to Macbeth and Banquo, Banquo did not believe the witches ‘“What!  Can the Devil speak true?”’ However, Macbeth feared that the prophecy concerning Banquo would come true. Hence, this is why Macbeth arranged the killing of Banquo.

Furthermore, the scene before the Banqueting scene shows Banquo being killed. This is followed by Macbeth’s happiness at being king. As a result, this would be dramatic for a modern audience, as Macbeth who arranged the killing appeared to have no conscience. Therefore, to show the scene of Banquo’s murder followed by Macbeth’s happiness would be dramatic for a modern audience. This is because; this would firstly, portray an evil appearance of Macbeth, and secondly, would convey how Macbeth is gentle hearted. The fact, that Macbeth was affected by the witches’ prophecies and reacted quickly to the situation: in terms of how his thoughts rapidly changed for the bad, determines how easily he can be influenced. Therefore, this is what led him to be responsible for murder plans as well as murders taking place; such as Duncan and Banquo’s death, and Fleance’s and Macduff’s family death plan.

Moreover, at the beginning of the banquet, Macbeth appears to be confident in the way he speaks, ‘“You know your own degrees”’ addressing his guests to ‘“sit down”’ according to rank. At the moment, he is enjoying his position as king; his confidence in his speech suggests this. He knows Banquo will be killed and does not want Banquo alive, because of the prophecies. ‘“Tis better thee without, than he within”’. If Banquo was alive, Macbeth feared that Banquo could have had a chance to become king. For Macbeth knows Banquo’s death will make him secure as king. This hope kept Macbeth occupied up until the murderer entered the room.

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Sequentially, when Banquo’s murderer enters, Macbeth gets excited getting prepared to find out the good news of Banquo’s death. However, when Macbeth says ‘“There’s blood upon thy face”’ this suggests, this whole time Macbeth showed he was confident through his speech to his guests; what is really going through his mind is kept hidden. In fact, Macbeth was panicking all this time something could happen. ‘“There’s blood upon thy face”’, indicates Macbeth’s fear as King and insecure feelings.  The ‘“blood”’ could symbolise a deep fear, pain and anger Macbeth is experiencing. Shakespeare’s use of dramatic irony is very effective here, ...

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A mixed response - some good points on Macbeth's state of mind and his response to the ghost but a lot of irrelevant detail on the play as a whole. When focusing on a set scene the language and reactions of the characters must be analysed.