Macbeth Questions Act One, scenes 1-3: Immediately following the disappearance of the witches
Immediately following the disappearance of the witches, Ross and Angus bring the news that we, as an audience, already know regarding the Thaneship of Cawdor. This situation where the audience knows more than the characters is called dramatic irony.
How does Banquo react? Macbeth’s reaction takes the form of a metaphor: why do you dress me in borrowed robes . Explain this metaphor. The clothes metaphor is used throughout the play. Pay careful attention to how and why it is used whenever you come across it.
Why does Banquo warn Macbeth about his reaction to the prophecies? What does this warning suggest about Banquo’s understanding of Macbeth’s character and ambitions?