Macbeth (AQA GCSE English Literature): Exam Questions

He gives Banquo more rhyming lines than Macbeth, showing that Macbeth needs time to think.

Banquo’s soliloquies and asides reveal his honest concerns about Macbeth.

Banquo’s language becomes more complex as the play progresses, with increased blank verse.

Banquo often contradicts himself in conversations with Macbeth.

It reveals Banquo’s intellectual superiority over Macbeth, as he can communicate in prose.

It illustrates Banquo’s honesty and integrity, unlike Macbeth’s deceitful speech.

It makes Banquo appear less noble than Macbeth, as he cannot match Macbeth’s use of blank verse.

It shows that Banquo is not as ambitious or intelligent as Macbeth.

Banquo’s trust in the witches’ prophecies suggests he is just as ambitious as Macbeth.

Banquo’s indifference to the witches shows that he does not believe in supernatural forces.

Banquo’s fear and apprehension of the witches reveals his own hidden ambitions and desires.

Banquo’s scepticism highlights his moral integrity, contrasting with Macbeth’s willingness to trust in evil.

He would have publicly criticised Macbeth for his treasonous actions.

He would have joined Macbeth in ruling the kingdom to maintain peace.

He would have kept silent to protect himself and his family.

He would have sought to overthrow Macbeth and restore Duncan’s line to the throne.

He would openly challenge Macbeth and accuse him of murder.

He would pretend to be loyal while secretly plotting against Macbeth from the shadows.

He would distance himself from Macbeth while remaining cautious and watchful.

He would confront Macbeth and demand that he relinquish the throne.

Ambition is necessary to gain power and influence.

Power should be pursued at any cost to achieve greatness.

Ambition should be avoided, as it leads only to failure and disappointment.

Power gained through immoral actions will lead to guilt and destruction.

It shows that Macbeth has already dismissed the witches’ prophecies as unimportant.

It highlights Macbeth’s growing duplicity and foreshadows his betrayal of Banquo.

It suggests that Macbeth and Banquo have different views on the witches’ prophecies.

It implies that Macbeth is trying to protect Banquo from the dangerous influence of the witches.

It shows that Banquo is loyal to Macbeth and views him as an equal.

It suggests that Banquo is aware of Macbeth’s ambition but chooses to ignore it.

It indicates that Banquo is suspicious of Macbeth’s intentions from the start.

It highlights Banquo’s political naivety and lack of judgement.

Banquo’s reaction shows his wisdom, while Macbeth’s reaction reveals his fear of the witches.

Banquo’s reaction contrasts with Macbeth’s immediate ambition and desire for power.

Banquo and Macbeth both dismiss the witches as irrelevant to their lives.

Banquo’s cautious approach makes him indecisive, unlike Macbeth, who takes swift action.

Banquo’s ghost reminds Macbeth of the prophecies, urging him to kill more enemies.

The ghost’s appearance serves as a visual representation of Macbeth’s fear of being overthrown.

Banquo’s ghost is a manifestation of Macbeth’s guilt over betraying and killing his friend.

The ghost’s silence indicates that Macbeth has fully embraced his power and no longer feels remorse.

Banquo’s role is insignificant, as his death does not impact Macbeth’s actions.

Banquo’s role is to tempt Macbeth into making poor decisions, leading to Macbeth’s downfall.

Banquo’s death marks the end of Macbeth’s moral conflict and allows him to act without guilt.

Banquo serves as a reminder of the honour and loyalty that Macbeth has abandoned.

Banquo’s scepticism protects him from falling into the same moral decline as Macbeth.

Banquo’s scepticism makes him indecisive, leading to his downfall.

Banquo’s refusal to act on the witches’ prophecies ensures that he survives longer than Macbeth.

Banquo’s scepticism has no effect on his fate, as his death is caused by external factors.