Act 3, Scene 1
Act Three begins with a soliloquy by Banquo. In what ways does this speech show that Banquo is a threat to Macbeth?
Banquo’s opening soliloquy reveals he is a threat because he suspects Macbeth of foul play ("I fear / Thou play’dst most foully for ’t"). Furthermore, his "royalty of nature" and "dauntless temper" make him a natural leader. Most importantly, the prophecy that his sons will be kings makes him the biological threat to Macbeth’s legacy.
Discuss two things that are revealed of Macbeth’s character on page 33, one from Lady Macbeth’s words and the other from Macbeth’s words.
Lady Macbeth: Her words ("Nought's had, all's spent") reveal she is unhappy and anxious. She realizes that getting what they wanted hasn't brought the peace they expected.
Macbeth: His words reveal a tortured, restless mind. He envies the dead Duncan because Duncan is at peace, while Macbeth’s mind is "full of scorpions" and he cannot sleep.
Where is this next scene set?
The scene is set in a hall in the palace during a formal banquet
What has Macbeth heard about indirectly? Why is this significant?
Macbeth has heard that Macduff is boycotting his court. This is significant because it indicates open defiance and the beginning of an organized rebellion.
Read Macbeth's soliloquy beginning, "To be thus is nothing, but to be safely thus-
Paraphrase the soliloquy.
Being king is worthless unless I can be secure in the position. I am deeply afraid of Banquo because he is brave, wise, and noble. I have ruined my soul and murdered a good king (Duncan) all to make Banquo’s children kings, since I have no heir. I have a "fruitless crown" and a "barren scepter."
At what time of day does Macbeth plan on killing Banquo? Figuratively, what are a few reasons why Macbeth wants to do so?
Macbeth plans the murder for nightfall (dusk).
Literal: It provides cover for the murderers.
Figurative: It represents the extinguishing of light/goodness in Scotland and Macbeth’s desire to hide his cruel deeds from the "heavenly" light.
Who approaches the door? What does Macbeth notice about him?
The First Murderer appears at the door. Macbeth notices blood on the murderer's face.
Who is Macbeth going to see tomorrow? What is his rationalization in this?
Macbeth is going to see the weird sisters (witches). His rationalization is that he is "in blood / Stepped in so far" that it is easier to keep going forward with evil than to try to go back to being good.
Even before he killed Duncan, Macbeth had no children and Banquo did. Why did Macbeth not foresee this obvious problem before he committed murder?
Macbeth was blinded by "vaulting ambition." He focused entirely on the immediate goal of seizing the crown and failed to consider the long-term reality that a "fruitless" lineage would make his victory temporary. He believed he could cheat fate to get the crown, then later realized he couldn't control fate to keep it.
As the 3 murderers are awaiting Banquo’s arrival, what do they hear Banquo say offstage? Why is this significant?
He calls out, "Give us a light there, ho!" This is significant because the light he carries represents his goodness and truth. When the murderers strike and the light goes out, it symbolizes the total darkness (evil) taking over.
What metaphor does Macbeth use to describe Banquo and Fleance? Explain what the metaphor(s) mean.
"There the grown serpent lies; the worm that's fled / Hath nature that in time will venom breed."
Meaning: Banquo is the "serpent" (dead); Fleance is the "worm" (escaped). While Fleance isn't a threat now, he will grow up to be dangerous and vengeful later.
Why was Scene 5 skipped?
Not enough evidence that Shakespeare originally wrote it
Where did Macduff go? Why did he go here?
He went to England. He went there to join Malcolm and ask King Edward for military help to overthrow Macbeth and restore peace to Scotland.
Given Banquo's earlier soliloquy, to what extent do you feel his fears are justified?
Banquo’s fears are entirely justified. He was present for the original prophecy and knows Macbeth had the motive to kill Duncan. Since Macbeth knows Banquo is the only person who can connect him to the witches, Banquo is logically the next person on Macbeth’s "hit list."
Explain what the murderers were successful in doing and what they were not. Does this agree with the witches’ prophecies? Explain.
Successful: They killed Banquo.
Unsuccessful: Fleance escaped into the darkness.
Agreement with Prophecy: Yes, it agrees. The witches prophesied that Banquo’s descendants would be kings. Had Fleance died, the prophecy would have been broken.
After Lennox asked Macbeth to have a seat, what guest appeared? Where did he/she sit? Why is this significant?
The Ghost of Banquo appears and sits in Macbeth’s seat. This is significant because it visually represents the prophecy that Banquo’s line will take the throne from Macbeth.
What are 3 strange occurrences that Lennox has noticed?
Lennox notes (with heavy sarcasm):
Duncan was "pitied" by Macbeth, then died.
Banquo walked too late and was killed.
Fleance is blamed for killing his father, just as Malcolm and Donalbain were blamed for theirs.
Why is it interesting that Macbeth employs professional cut-throats to kill Banquo?
It is interesting because it shows Macbeth’s moral decay and cowardice. He can no longer face his victims like a soldier; he must hide behind others. It also highlights his paranoia, as he uses his kingly power to manipulate desperate men into doing his "dirty work" so he can remain "innocent" in the public eye.
Find a quote that is a double-entendre or a metaphor. Explain its double-meaning.
"The west yet glimmers with some streaks of day."
Meaning: Literally, it is sunset. Metaphorically, it represents the last bit of hope or life (Banquo) being chased away by the darkness of Macbeth’s tyranny.
After Lady Macbeth tells her husband that his guests miss him, what does he tell them is the reason for his behavior? Who then appeared?
Macbeth tells his guests he has a "strange infirmity" (a recurring health condition). Immediately after he mentions Banquo’s name in a toast, the Ghost reappears.
Who is not on Macbeth’s good side? What are 2 reasons why?
Macduff is not on Macbeth’s good side.
Reason 1: He didn't attend the coronation.
Reason 2: He refused to attend the banquet.