Shakespeare's Macbeth-Banquo: An Actor Or A Ghost

Banquo: An Actor or A Ghost
Shakespeare has been a respected poet and playwright for hundreds of years. A controversial point in the stage productions of The Tragedy of Macbeth, written by William Shakespeare, is whether or not an actor should play the ghost of Banquo or if the Ghost does not appear on stage; thus the audience does not see him as Macbeth does. Using an actor to portray the ghost of Banquo better relates to the play’s themes and the development of the play’s characters. Specifically, using an actor to play the ghost of Banquo illustrates Macbeth’s mental state, emphasizes how Macbeth’s tragic flaw led to his demise, and provides a way for Macbeth to play off of the actor’s actions and facial expressions.
Using an actor to
Also, in the stage direction after line 37, “Enter the Ghost of Banquo, and sits in Macbeth’s place.” This shows that Macbeth sees Banquo’s ghost, but none of the other characters do; the audience would be able to see the ghost of Banquo, as well. In the “Ghost of Banquo Haunts Macbeth (Goold Adaptation), Banquo is played by the actor Martin Turner. This clip lets the audience see what Macbeth is envisioning, which makes it much less confusing for the audience. Some people would argue that ghosts aren't real and the ghost of Banquo is a figment of Macbeth's imagination; but, The Tragedy of Macbeth is a fiction play, so not everything has to be true facts. Because using an actor makes it easier for the audience to connect with Macbeth’s mental state, so using an actor for the ghost of Banquo is more
This is proven when Macbeth says, “Ay, and a bold one, that dare look on that / Which might appall the devil.” (3.4.58-59). This quote justifies that the ghost of Macbeth is capable of showing emotions and expressions through his eyes. This is also shown when Macbeth states “Prithee, see there! / Behold! Look! Lo! How say you? / Why, what care I? If thou canst nod, speak too.” (3.4.68-70). This is another example of how the Ghost can nod and interact. One other quote this is proven is when Macbeth describes the ghost of Banquo: “Thy bones are marrowless, thy blood is cold; / Thou hast no speculation in those eyes / Which thou dost glare with.” (3.4.94-96). This quote validates that the Ghost has physical features, which can only be shown if an actor is used. With an actor, it would be much easier for the other actors to act to their full potential. Other people might say using an actor is unrealistic because the other actors on stage would see the ghost of Banquo and it would defeat the purpose of the ghost being a figment of Macbeth’s imagination. Because the stage directions say the Ghost enters and exit, one can assume that an actor played the ghost of Macbeth in the original play, so it is possible for the other actors to act like they do not see the Ghost. This statement is confirmed when Ross and the Lords think