In William Shakespeare’s tragic play “Macbeth,” the titular character embarks on a dark and treacherous journey driven by ambition, power, and fear. One of the pivotal points in the play involves Macbeth’s decision to have Banquo and his son Fleance murdered. This article delves into the reasons behind Macbeth’s desire to eliminate Banquo and Fleance, examining the psychological, thematic, and narrative elements that drive his actions.
The Prophecy of the Witches
The Initial Prophecy
The foundation of Macbeth’s actions lies in the prophecy given by the three witches at the beginning of the play. They prophesy that Macbeth will become the King of Scotland, which ignites his ambition and sets him on a path of murder and tyranny. However, the witches also deliver a prophecy to Banquo, stating that while he will not be king himself, his descendants will inherit the throne:
“Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none. So all hail, Macbeth and Banquo!”
The Threat of Banquo’s Lineage
This prophecy creates a significant threat to Macbeth. Even after securing the throne by murdering King Duncan, Macbeth is haunted by the idea that his efforts might be in vain if Banquo’s descendants are destined to rule. The thought that he has committed such heinous acts only to establish a dynasty for Banquo is intolerable to Macbeth. This fear and paranoia fuel his desire to ensure that Banquo and Fleance are eliminated.
Banquo’s Character and Macbeth’s Fear
Banquo as a Moral Compass
Banquo’s character serves as a foil to Macbeth. While both men are given prophecies by the witches, Banquo remains skeptical and cautious, showing integrity and moral strength. In contrast, Macbeth succumbs to his darkest impulses. Banquo’s presence is a constant reminder to Macbeth of the path he chose not to take – one of honor and righteousness. This moral contrast exacerbates Macbeth’s guilt and insecurity.
Banquo’s Suspicion
Banquo is also suspicious of Macbeth’s rise to power. He reflects on the witches’ prophecies and Macbeth’s actions, suspecting that Macbeth has played a foul game to achieve the throne:
“Thou hast it now: king, Cawdor, Glamis, all, As the weird women promised, and I fear Thou play’dst most foully for’t.”
Macbeth, aware of Banquo’s suspicion, perceives him as a threat. Banquo’s knowledge of the prophecy and his doubts about Macbeth’s legitimacy as king make him dangerous. Macbeth fears that Banquo might act on these suspicions and threaten his newly acquired power.
The Desire to Secure the Throne
Eliminating Future Threats
Macbeth’s primary motivation is to secure his throne and eliminate any potential threats. The witches’ prophecy regarding Banquo’s descendants makes Fleance, Banquo’s son, a significant threat. If Fleance survives, the prophecy could still come true, and Macbeth’s lineage would be cut short. By killing both Banquo and Fleance, Macbeth aims to prevent this from happening and ensure that his rule is not challenged.
Paranoia and Power
Macbeth’s paranoia grows as he becomes more entrenched in his tyranny. The more power he gains, the more he fears losing it. This fear drives him to extreme measures to protect his position. The decision to kill Banquo and Fleance is not just about removing immediate threats but also about quelling his own paranoia and securing his sense of control over the future.
The Psychological Transformation of Macbeth
From Ambition to Madness
Macbeth’s journey from a loyal and honorable nobleman to a paranoid tyrant is marked by a series of psychological transformations. Initially driven by ambition, Macbeth’s actions soon become dictated by fear and a desperate need for security. The murder of Banquo and the attempted murder of Fleance signify a critical point in his descent into madness. Macbeth believes that eliminating Banquo’s line is necessary to prevent the witches’ prophecy from coming true, but this act only deepens his paranoia and sense of impending doom.
Isolation and Desperation
As Macbeth becomes more isolated, his decisions grow increasingly irrational. The isolation exacerbates his fears and insecurities, leading him to make desperate decisions. The murder of Banquo, once his friend and comrade, highlights Macbeth’s complete moral decay and the extent of his desperation to cling to power.
Thematic Implications
The Corrupting Influence of Power
One of the central themes of “Macbeth” is the corrupting influence of power. Macbeth’s desire to maintain his power leads him down a path of moral corruption and tyranny. The decision to kill Banquo and Fleance underscores the extent to which Macbeth is willing to go to secure his power, showcasing the destructive nature of unchecked ambition.
Fate vs. Free Will
The interplay between fate and free will is another significant theme in “Macbeth.” While the witches’ prophecies set the events in motion, it is Macbeth’s choices that lead to his downfall. His decision to murder Banquo and Fleance highlights his attempt to defy fate and control his own destiny. However, these actions ultimately contribute to his demise, suggesting that one cannot escape fate through acts of violence and treachery.
Conclusion
Macbeth’s desire to have Banquo and Fleance killed is driven by a complex interplay of fear, ambition, and paranoia. The witches’ prophecy about Banquo’s descendants becoming kings poses a direct threat to Macbeth’s power, leading him to view Banquo and Fleance as significant obstacles. Banquo’s moral integrity and suspicion further fuel Macbeth’s fear, pushing him towards extreme measures. Ultimately, Macbeth’s actions reflect the broader themes of the play, including the corrupting influence of power and the struggle between fate and free will. As Macbeth descends further into madness, his efforts to secure his throne only lead to more bloodshed and his eventual downfall.