In "Mary Queen of Scots," author Antonia Fraser discusses the complex political dynamics surrounding Mary and her relationships, particularly with Darnley. She points out that Darnley's influence seemed to intensify after his death, drawing a parallel to Banquo's ghost from Shakespeare. Despite his shortcomings during his life, his demise transformed him into a potent symbol and a catalyst for political maneuvering in Scotland.
Fraser highlights the irony of Darnley's effectiveness in Scottish politics as a posthumous figure, suggesting that his legacy and the circumstances of his murder galvanized various factions, impacting Mary's reign significantly. This observation underlines how political narratives can shift with the loss of a figure, influencing the power struggles in a historical context.