Though given very few lines, Fleance’s role is much more significant thematically considering his direct link to prophecy within Macbeth. Banquo’s prophecy of “thou shalt get kings, though thou be none” can be interpreted as in direct reference to Fleance, being Banquo’s first and what can be assumed only son who will one day (somehow – Shakespeare leaves this ambiguous!) inherit the Scottish throne. As with all the prophecies in Macbeth, the interpretation that Fleance is to be king should be taken with a grain of salt, as he disappears from the play after death of his father and Malcolm becomes king of Scotland after defeating Macbeth. From an in-text context, the prophecy gives Fleance as much claim to the throne as Macbeth did when wrongly usurping Duncan. But it would defeat the purpose of the entire thematic meaning of the play if Fleance arises to the position of king using the unnatural means of prophecy after all the chaos that has been caused because of it. Instead it can be inferred that Fleance’s purpose was more political and as another example of the motif between fathers and sons. To explain the political purpose behind Fleance and the probable meaning of Banquo’s prophecy, it is best to link back to the context the play was written and performed in, as King James I of England was said to be descended from Banquo’s and Fleance’s line. By including this direct link to his linage, Shakespeare ensured the favour of his patron and king, and served to continue the absolute nature of prophecy and destiny. It should also be said that Fleance’s escape, is one of the major causes of Macbeth’s paranoia and the stress induced by the situation could have caused the hallucination of Banquo’s ghost, if that interpretation of events is to be believed.
