ACT 3:Ambition & Guilt
This character begins to fear that Macbeth gained the crown by murder.
Who is Banquo
When the witches greet Macbeth with “All hail, Macbeth!…,” Banquo warns him about trusting them. How does this first prophecy introduce the theme of temptation versus caution?
It shows that prophecy can tempt ambition, and that interpreting supernatural messages requires caution; Banquo resists temptation while Macbeth considers acting.
The witches show Macbeth three of these, which appear to warn or confuse him.
What are Apparitions (visions)
How does Shakespeare show that Macbeth is praised as a hero in public but secretly driven by ambition in private?
Everyone praises Macbeth for his bravery in battle, making him look honorable and loyal. But privately, he is already thinking about becoming king, revealing that his ambition is hidden beneath his heroic public image.
Lady Macbeth reveals her guilt in this unusual way, showing her conscience is active even in sleep.
Sleepwalking and hand-washing
Macbeth says he is “in blood stepped in so far.” (Banquet Scene) What does this mean about his view of his choices?
He feels he has gone too far to stop; continuing the violence seems easier than turning back.
How does Banquo’s prophecy make Macbeth feel threatened, and what does this show about his character?
Macbeth feels jealous and worried that Banquo’s descendants will become kings instead of him. This shows Macbeth’s ambition and his willingness to consider taking extreme actions to control fate.
The first apparition warns Macbeth about this person.
Who is Macduff
The Porter scene provides comic relief immediately after Duncan’s murder. Why would this be needed?
The Porter scene gives the audience a brief break from the horror of Duncan’s murder, while also highlighting how Macbeth’s crime has brought chaos and evil into the world.
What phrase does Lady Macbeth say that shows she cannot escape her guilt?
“Out, damned spot!”
One of these characters escapes the murderers, leaving Macbeth’s plan incomplete.
Who is Fleance
Before killing Duncan, Macbeth hallucinates a dagger leading him toward Duncan’s chamber. How does this vision blur the line between the supernatural and his own ambition?
The dagger represents his guilty conscience and ambition; it may be supernatural or psychological, showing how desire can create visions.
The second apparition says “None of woman born shall harm Macbeth.” How does this statement trick Macbeth?
It is misleading, making him overconfident. Everyone is born from a woman.
Why does Lady Macduff criticize her husband for leaving, and what does this reveal about her character and the impact of Macbeth’s rule?
Lady Macduff criticizes her husband for leaving because she feels abandoned and unprotected. This shows she values loyalty and family, and it highlights how Macbeth’s tyrannical rule puts innocent people in danger.
Macbeth receives reports that Birnam Wood is moving toward Dunsinane. What is really happening?
The soldiers are carrying branches to hide their numbers, fulfilling the prophecy.
Macbeth sees a ghost at this event, showing his guilt publicly.
What is the banquet (or feast)
Hecate scolds the witches for meddling with Macbeth. How does Shakespeare use her character to emphasize the limits of supernatural power?
Hecate shows that witches can tempt and deceive but cannot control outcomes; humans still make choices, highlighting free will versus fate.
Macbeth orders the murder of this family, showing his moral corruption.
Who is Macduff's family
Lady Macbeth calls on spirits to “unsex” her. What does this request reveal about her personality and goals?
She wants to remove her conscience and compassion to carry out ambition without guilt, showing ruthless determination.
Contrast Macbeth’s and Malcolm’s demeanor as they prepare for battle. What do their attitudes reveal about their leadership and state of mind?
Macbeth is reckless, overconfident, and increasingly desperate, showing his moral and psychological unraveling; Malcolm is composed, strategic, and disciplined, demonstrating effective leadership and control.
Compare Macbeth’s reaction to the ghost with Lady Macbeth’s response. What does this reveal about their relationship?
Macbeth loses control; Lady Macbeth tries to manage the situation, showing she still has influence, but later he becomes more independent in his violence.
The witches show Macbeth three visions with ambiguous messages. How do these misleading prophecies fool Macbeth and show his weaknesses?
The prophecies are technically true but misleading; Macbeth interprets them literally, showing overconfidence, ambition, and reliance on supernatural guidance instead of reason.
Malcolm tests Macduff’s loyalty. What qualities does Malcolm value in a king?
-hint: qualities that Macbeth lacks
Honesty, wisdom, concern for the people, and patience.
The Scottish nobles prepare to join Malcolm’s army. How does Shakespeare use this to show that loyalty depends on moral leadership?
Shakespeare shows that the Scottish nobles join Malcolm because he is a fair and just leader, proving that people will follow leaders they trust and respect, not cruel rulers like Macbeth.
After hearing of Lady Macbeth’s death, Macbeth reflects on life’s meaning. What does his “Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow” speech reveal about him?
He sees life as meaningless, empty, and fleeting; He feels hopeless and thinks life has no real meaning.