![]() ![]() While there is a coronation Shakespeare’s not showing it may be his way of saying that it is not the appropriate coronation for a true king of Scotland, God’s representative in this place. Secondly, it might be seen to symbolize that while Macbeth has removed God’s representative from the kingdom, and himself from the Christian realm in the process, he has not removed Scotland from the Christian realm. ![]() This seems appropriate on two levels, first of which being that Duncan’s murder was not shown and thus the result of this not shown provides symmetrical harmony. Interestingly, Shakespeare does not show Macbeth’s coronation and rather has the scene begin immediately after this. Before the criminals leave Macbeth reminds them they must kill Banquo some distance from the palace, and that Banquo’s son must be killed also. After riling and filling them with anger Macbeth is assured by the two that they will kill Banquo, and says he would kill Banquo if he could for his is now the king’s enemy also however loyal friends of Banquo prevent him from doing so. The servant returns with two men and it is revealed they are two murderers Macbeth has hired he reminds them of their conversation the day previous, where he told them of wrongs Banquo had inflicted on them. Perhaps his prophecy, which involved killing Duncan and becoming king, is simple a vehicle for the second prophecy to come to pass, Banquo’s family assuming control of the crown. The servant departs and Macbeth, in soliloquy, admits the only one he fears in Scotland is Banquo if the witches’ second prophecy comes to pass then all he will have is a ‘fruitless crown’ and thus no heir. ![]() Macbeth dismisses all others when Banquo leaves and asks a servant to bring in some men who have come to see him. Banquo accepts and after revealing that he plans to go horse riding that afternoon is told by Macbeth (who confirms that Fleance will accompany Banquo) that they must discuss the issue of Malcolm and Donalbain, who have both fled and thus may be plotting against him. Banquo, in the royal palace in Forees, wonders about Macbeth’s impending coronation and thus the prophecies of the weird sisters the witches said Macbeth would be king so will their second prophecy come to pass also, that Banquo’s lineage will eventually attain the kingship also? Macbeth then enters dressed as king, followed by Lady Macbeth and others both ask Banquo to attend a feast they will hold that night. ![]()
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