Darnley, who, like Banquo's ghost, seemed to play a much more effective part in Scottish politics once he was dead than when he was alive.

Antonia Fraser
About This Quote

This quote captures Banquo's legacy as a Scottish politician after his death. When he was alive, Banquo was largely unimportant to the affairs of Scotland. He was a supporter of the crown who often didn't cause much trouble for those in power. However, after he died, he became an important political figure.

His death launched him from one side of the political spectrum to another and from being a minor player to being a major player in Scottish politics. The lesson here is that sometimes the ghosts of the dead can be more powerful than those who are still living.

Source: Mary Queen Of Scots

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