Here had we now our country’s honour roof’d,
Were the graced person of our Banquo present;
Who may I rather challenge for unkindness
Than pity for mischance!
– William Shakespeare
Macbeth, Act 3, Scene 4. Shakespeare adds dramatic irony and an unexpected twist to the story at this point. A deceptive Macbeth expresses disappointment that Banquo is not present for his coronation banquet, suggesting that this is due to Banquo’s “unkindness” and not any “mischance.” The audience knows that Banquo is absent because Macbeth had him murdered. Macbeth has not yet noticed that moments before this Banquo’s ghost entered to sit in Macbeth’s place.