Macbeth monologue spoken by Banquo
Banquo lies on the side of the river after being ambushed by Macbeth's hit men. He reflects on Macbeth's and his own behavior since the prophecies made by the witches, as well as reflecting on Fleance and the person he is to become.
The end of Act III, Scene 3. After Banquo's murder.
(Lying)
Here I lie, cold, wet, alone and betrayed on my death bed. Is this what I deserve? Have I been dealt a hand fair to the way I have lived my life? No, I know that I lived my life justly. I acted on my beliefs and I was always loyal and honest to those I held dear.
(Getting Up)
I fought against the dreams of those predictions and proved myself worthy of what was told. I defended my character and spoke up for what I stood for. I would not weaken in the face of temptation.
(Standing)
Since the day on the heath where those foul hags told Macbeth and I our fates, Macbeth has not been himself. As if overcome by some evil spirit, he has changed his ways, actively seeking his future through deceit, wicked speculations and regicide, what I now no longer suspect him of, but believe he committed.
Firstly, Thane of Glamis, a title he already held. Next was Thane of Cawdor, this he was named shortly after the predictions, he did nothing to deliberately receive the title but be his own character, a strong, passionate and loyal countrymen. The real Macbeth we all knew and respected. But the third prediction was the one that changed Macbeth, a title that toyed with his ambition. Being told he would become King I believe was the beginning of the end for him. Over time his aspirations led him to take a path the true Macbeth would have walked right past. He was tempted by the unnatural to go down this path of turmoil and disruption. He lost his way and was not strong enough to fight it off. He began to spend more time by himself; he acted suspiciously and began scheming with Lady Macbeth. He was given an opportunity to take the position of King and he took it, viciously, illicitly and
The end of Act III, Scene 3. After Banquo's murder.
(Lying)
Here I lie, cold, wet, alone and betrayed on my death bed. Is this what I deserve? Have I been dealt a hand fair to the way I have lived my life? No, I know that I lived my life justly. I acted on my beliefs and I was always loyal and honest to those I held dear.
(Getting Up)
I fought against the dreams of those predictions and proved myself worthy of what was told. I defended my character and spoke up for what I stood for. I would not weaken in the face of temptation.
(Standing)
Since the day on the heath where those foul hags told Macbeth and I our fates, Macbeth has not been himself. As if overcome by some evil spirit, he has changed his ways, actively seeking his future through deceit, wicked speculations and regicide, what I now no longer suspect him of, but believe he committed.
Firstly, Thane of Glamis, a title he already held. Next was Thane of Cawdor, this he was named shortly after the predictions, he did nothing to deliberately receive the title but be his own character, a strong, passionate and loyal countrymen. The real Macbeth we all knew and respected. But the third prediction was the one that changed Macbeth, a title that toyed with his ambition. Being told he would become King I believe was the beginning of the end for him. Over time his aspirations led him to take a path the true Macbeth would have walked right past. He was tempted by the unnatural to go down this path of turmoil and disruption. He lost his way and was not strong enough to fight it off. He began to spend more time by himself; he acted suspiciously and began scheming with Lady Macbeth. He was given an opportunity to take the position of King and he took it, viciously, illicitly and