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Common enemy Quote by William Shakespeare

“For Banquo's issue have I filed my mind; For them the gracious Duncanhave I murdered; Put rancors in the vessel of my peace Only for them; and mine eternal jewel Given to the common enemy of man, To make them kings, the seeds of Banquo kings!” quote by William Shakespeare
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“For Banquo's issue have I filed my mind; For them the gracious Duncanhave I murdered; Put rancors in the vessel of my peace Only for them; and mine eternal jewel Given to the common enemy of man, To make them kings, the seeds of Banquo kings!”

William Shakespeare

About This Quote

Source Play: Macbeth, Act 3 Scene 1, 1606

Banquo’s descendants are used as a justification for murder and betrayal, revealing the corrupting power of ambition.

In simple terms: Ambition drives people to betray even family for power.

Key Takeaway

Beware how ambition can corrupt moral judgment.

Themes

politics betrayal ambition legacy

Mood

tragic reflective

Type

dramatic moral

When to use this quote

  • political leadership
  • family dynamics
  • historical analysis
  • ethical debates

Key Concepts

power moral decay prophecy

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is the pursuit of power worth the loss of integrity?
  • What are the costs of sacrificing others for personal gain?
A Different Perspective

Ambition can blind one to the humanity of others.

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