Monday, November 12, 2012
Musical Chairs?: The Significance of Seating
While reading tonight's scenes, I was struck by the fact that Banquo's ghost not only appeared at the banquet, but sat in Macbeth's chair. WHen you think of a Kings seat (which I believe would be at the head of the table) it appears to be a symbol of their supremacy, a throne of sorts. The fact that Banquo, who's progeny the Weird Sisters predicted would eventually upset Macbeth's power and replace him as king, takes Macbeth's seat of power, seems to be a bit of irony, or even symbolism for that matter. It is if Banquo's ghost taking Macbeth's literal seat is foreshadowing Banquo's progeny taking his figurative seat as king.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I love this point and really think it does foreshadow the future. I like thinking that Banquo's ghost took the "throne" seat because he has a line of kings in his future. It's reminding Macbeth that Banquo will still be there even though he is dead, and will still be in the way of Macbeth's kingship. I also think it's interesting how in the clip today, the witches were sitting in Macbeth's seat. The ghost/witches seem to be reminders that Macbeth will have to fight to get the throne.
ReplyDeleteI also find it odd that Shakespeare has Banquo's ghost sit in Macbeth's seat of power. I agree that it is intended to be foreshadowing of Banquo's sons becoming kings. I think that it is reminding Macbeth that now that the part of the prophecy for him has come true, the part of Banquo's sons becoming kings will also come true too now and no matter what Macbeth does, he can't prevent it from happening.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone. I also think it's interesting that only Macbeth can see Banquo's ghost, because this might mean that Macbeth's own insanity (causing the multiple murders) is the only thing that will come back to get him in the end. It might also mean that the others don't see Banquo (his posterity) as any kind of threat to Macbeth's power yet.
ReplyDelete