When Macbeth is planning the murders of Banquo and Fleance, he details many reasons why he is so concerned about Banquo and wishes to have him killed. First he describes Banquo's "royalty of nature": there is something noble and honorable in Banquo's manner and person, and this intimidates Macbeth (3.1.50). Then he says that Banquo "hath a wisdom that doth guide his valor / To act in safety"; so, not only is Banquo incredibly brave...
When Macbeth is planning the murders of Banquo and Fleance, he details many reasons why he is so concerned about Banquo and wishes to have him killed. First he describes Banquo's "royalty of nature": there is something noble and honorable in Banquo's manner and person, and this intimidates Macbeth (3.1.50). Then he says that Banquo "hath a wisdom that doth guide his valor / To act in safety"; so, not only is Banquo incredibly brave and courageous, but he is also smart enough to remain safe at the same time (3.1.53-54). Finally, Macbeth is most bothered by the fact that the Weird Sisters told Banquo that his descendants would be kings; thus, he understands that he will not pass the throne on to his own children, but to Banquo's. He says, "For Banquo's issue have I filed my mind; / For them the gracious Duncan have I murdered" (3.1.65-66). Macbeth has ruined his eternal soul, destroyed his own peace, and saddled his mind with terrible guilt all for a "barren scepter" and to pave the way for Banquo's family to reign. This is the biggest reason he has to resent Banquo's existence as well as his son, Fleance's. Thus, he arranges their murders so that he will no longer have to fear them.
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