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MACBETH:
act 3
SETTING
Castle Inverness.
Castle Inverness.
SUMMARY
Act 3, scene 1: Banquo ponders how all the prophecies were fulfilled. He admits that he thinks that Macbeth cheated, despite the fact that the predictions about Macbeth were fulfilled, and brings up the fact that the prophecy also said that the crown would not go to Macbeth’s descendants, but to his, Banquo’s descendants. He states that if the witches are telling the truth, which they did about Macbeth, then maybe what they said about him, Banquo, will come true as well. Macbeth then enters and invites Banquo to a banquet, and he agrees to go. Macbeth tells Banquo that he hears that the princes have hidden in England and Ireland, and they say that they did not kill their father and that they are spreading strange lies. He bids Banquo goodbye and enquires if his son will be going riding with him, and the response is yes. Macbeth then bids him farewell. Everyone exits, but Macbeth stays behind to speak to a servant. He instructs the servant to bring the men to him. The servant exits to do Macbeth’s bidding, and he ponders the fact that he fears Banquo because he is willing to take risks, he’s always thinking, and he has the wisdom to act bravely yet safely. He says that the witches have given him a crown and scepter that he cannot pass on, so he decides to change his fate.
He speaks to two murderers about punishing Banquo for putting their families in poverty. He tells them that as long as Banquo lives, he is sick, so he wants to give them a plan to get rid of him. He expounds on the fact that since he is king, he cannot simply use his power to get rid of Banquo. They also have friends in common, friends that he needs, so he needs to be able to publicly cry at Banquo’s death despite being the one who killed him. He tells the murderers that he needs their help; he must hide his real plans from the public for many important reasons. The second murderer agreed to kill Banquo, so he tells him that, within the hour, he will tell them where to go and exactly where to strike. He instructs the murderers that the murder must be done tonight and away from the palace because he must be free from suspicion. He warns them that for the plan to work perfectly, both Banquo and his son, Fleance, must be killed. Getting rid of Fleance is just as important as killing Banquo.
Act 3, scene 2: Lady Macbeth asks her servant if Banquo has left the court; the answer to which is yes, then she sends the servant to find the king so that she can talk to him. When Macbeth comes to her, she asks him why he is so sad. She expresses that he should not be sad because he has killed the men who threatened his destiny. Macbeth’s response is that they have slashed the snake, but not killed it. He reveals that he eats his meals in fear and tosses and turns at night because of nightmares. Lady Macbeth’s response to this revelation is that Macbeth should relax and look cheerful for his guests. Macbeth agrees to do so but also instructs Lady Macbeth to give Banquo special attention because they are in a dangerous situation with him. He tells her that a dreadful deed will be done tonight, but he does not want her to know the details until it’s done. He tells her that bad deeds force you to commit more bad deeds.
Act 3, scene 3: The murderers speak to each other, revealing that Macbeth has hired them. They await Banquo’s return because he is supposed to attend the banquet. He arrives, and the first murderer observes that the servants have taken Banquo’s horses to the stables, and the third murderer reveals that it is almost a mile to the palace gates, but people usually walk at this point. Banquo and Fleance then enter, and Banquo is attacked first and tells Fleance to run. The murderers reveal that Fleance escaped.
Act 3, scene 4: Macbeth welcomes his guests, telling them that they know their ranks and where to sit. Then the first murderer appears at the door and reports that he cut Banquo’s throat, but Fleance has escaped. Macbeth admits that he is scared again because Fleance escaped. He asks again if Banquo was dead, and the murderer told him that he’s lying dead in a ditch, with twenty gashes on his head. Macbeth is satisfied with his answer because, despite the fact that Fleance escaped, he believes that he is powerless. The first murderer then leaves, and Lady Macbeth reminds Macbeth that he needs to entertain his guests. He then makes a toast to good appetites, good digestion, and good health, but then Banquo’s ghost, unseen by Macbeth, enters the banquet and sits in Macbeth’s seat. Macbeth points out Banquo’s absence, stating that he hopes that Banquo’s absence is due to rudeness and not that something bad has happened to him. Lennox then suggests that the king sit, but when he looks toward his seat, Banquo’s ghost is sitting in his chair. Macbeth starts speaking to the air (no one can see Banquo in the king’s seat) and Ross declares that the king is unwell.
Lady Macbeth interrupts the spectacle by telling everyone that the king is suffering from a brief fit, while, under her breath, to Macbeth, asking if he is a man. She tells him that this is just another one of his hallucinations that happen when he is afraid, like the floating dagger. She tells him that these outbursts aren’t really fear, but more like how one acts if one were a woman telling a scary story. Macbeth then tries to show her Banquo’s ghost, but she asks him if his foolishness has paralyzed him. Macbeth says that he is being haunted, but Lady Macbeth reminds him that his noble friends miss his company. Macbeth then turns his attention to his guests and apologizes, with the explanation that he has a strange disorder, then gives another toast. Macbeth then turns back to Banquo’s ghost and loudly instructs the ghost to leave. Lady Macbeth tries to cover for his outburst by stating that the guests should think nothing of his strange behaviour, while Macbeth continues to ‘run’ the ghost, who finally vanishes. Lady Macbeth then asks everyone to leave after Macbeth makes things worse by attempting to justify his behaviour to his guests.
When the guests leave, Macbeth tells Lady Macbeth that the dead will have their revenge. He then tells her that he plans to summon MacDuff, and he will go and see the witches tomorrow because he wants to know the future in order to protect himself. He admits that he cannot stop killing now because he is steeped in a river of blood and that he has further schemes that he is planning to execute, and he has to execute them before he has a chance to think about it. Lady Macbeth and Macbeth then go to sleep, with Macbeth stating that his strange delusions must come from inexperience in committing crimes.
Act 3, scene 5: The three witches meet Hecate, who berates them for not telling her about the havoc that they are playing with Macbeth. She wants to join in the game of goading him into overconfidence.
Act 3, scene 6: Lennox contemplates the strange events that have occurred; Duncan and Banquo’s murder, and the fact that Fleance, Malcolm and Donalbain are all suspected of killing their fathers. He ponders how Macbeth was loyal when he killed the servants who were suspected of murdering King Duncan. Overall, he thinks that Macbeth has handled things well and reports that he hears that MacDuff is out of favour with the king because he failed to show up at Macbeth’s feast and speaks against the king. A lord then tells Lennox that Malcolm is treated very well in King Edward’s court in England and that he went there to ask the king for help to form an alliance with Northumberland and their lord, Siward. The lord further states that MacDuff hopes that with the procurement of England’s assistance, life in Scotland will improve by putting food on tables, decreasing violent murders, basically things that the Scottish people are pining for under Macbeth’s rule. Macbeth has heard this news and is upset. He was made further upset by the fact that MacDuff refused to return to Scotland, despite the fact that the messenger told him that he would regret this decision. Lennox then states that someone should go to the English court and tell MacDuff to return to Scotland quickly because the country is suffering under the tyrant Macbeth.
Act 3, scene 1: Banquo ponders how all the prophecies were fulfilled. He admits that he thinks that Macbeth cheated, despite the fact that the predictions about Macbeth were fulfilled, and brings up the fact that the prophecy also said that the crown would not go to Macbeth’s descendants, but to his, Banquo’s descendants. He states that if the witches are telling the truth, which they did about Macbeth, then maybe what they said about him, Banquo, will come true as well. Macbeth then enters and invites Banquo to a banquet, and he agrees to go. Macbeth tells Banquo that he hears that the princes have hidden in England and Ireland, and they say that they did not kill their father and that they are spreading strange lies. He bids Banquo goodbye and enquires if his son will be going riding with him, and the response is yes. Macbeth then bids him farewell. Everyone exits, but Macbeth stays behind to speak to a servant. He instructs the servant to bring the men to him. The servant exits to do Macbeth’s bidding, and he ponders the fact that he fears Banquo because he is willing to take risks, he’s always thinking, and he has the wisdom to act bravely yet safely. He says that the witches have given him a crown and scepter that he cannot pass on, so he decides to change his fate.
He speaks to two murderers about punishing Banquo for putting their families in poverty. He tells them that as long as Banquo lives, he is sick, so he wants to give them a plan to get rid of him. He expounds on the fact that since he is king, he cannot simply use his power to get rid of Banquo. They also have friends in common, friends that he needs, so he needs to be able to publicly cry at Banquo’s death despite being the one who killed him. He tells the murderers that he needs their help; he must hide his real plans from the public for many important reasons. The second murderer agreed to kill Banquo, so he tells him that, within the hour, he will tell them where to go and exactly where to strike. He instructs the murderers that the murder must be done tonight and away from the palace because he must be free from suspicion. He warns them that for the plan to work perfectly, both Banquo and his son, Fleance, must be killed. Getting rid of Fleance is just as important as killing Banquo.
- Provide a quote that Banquo believes Macbeth cheated to ensure that the prophecy that he would be king would come true.
- What does Banquo hope might happen for him, regarding the witches’ prophecies?
- What news does Macbeth give to Banquo, and what invitation was issued to Banquo?
- Give two character traits about Banquo that Macbeth fears.
- Why does Macbeth want to kill Banquo and Fleance?
- Why can Macbeth NOT commit the murders himself?
- What two instructions did Macbeth give to the murderers about killing Banquo and Fleance?
Act 3, scene 2: Lady Macbeth asks her servant if Banquo has left the court; the answer to which is yes, then she sends the servant to find the king so that she can talk to him. When Macbeth comes to her, she asks him why he is so sad. She expresses that he should not be sad because he has killed the men who threatened his destiny. Macbeth’s response is that they have slashed the snake, but not killed it. He reveals that he eats his meals in fear and tosses and turns at night because of nightmares. Lady Macbeth’s response to this revelation is that Macbeth should relax and look cheerful for his guests. Macbeth agrees to do so but also instructs Lady Macbeth to give Banquo special attention because they are in a dangerous situation with him. He tells her that a dreadful deed will be done tonight, but he does not want her to know the details until it’s done. He tells her that bad deeds force you to commit more bad deeds.
- Has Banquo left court?
- Why is Macbeth sad?
- How does Lady Macbeth respond to Macbeth’s sadness?
- Quote a line that proves that Macbeth is tormented by his actions.
- What instruction does Macbeth give Lady Macbeth? Why?
Act 3, scene 3: The murderers speak to each other, revealing that Macbeth has hired them. They await Banquo’s return because he is supposed to attend the banquet. He arrives, and the first murderer observes that the servants have taken Banquo’s horses to the stables, and the third murderer reveals that it is almost a mile to the palace gates, but people usually walk at this point. Banquo and Fleance then enter, and Banquo is attacked first and tells Fleance to run. The murderers reveal that Fleance escaped.
- How many murderers did Macbeth hire?
- Who did the murderers kill?
Act 3, scene 4: Macbeth welcomes his guests, telling them that they know their ranks and where to sit. Then the first murderer appears at the door and reports that he cut Banquo’s throat, but Fleance has escaped. Macbeth admits that he is scared again because Fleance escaped. He asks again if Banquo was dead, and the murderer told him that he’s lying dead in a ditch, with twenty gashes on his head. Macbeth is satisfied with his answer because, despite the fact that Fleance escaped, he believes that he is powerless. The first murderer then leaves, and Lady Macbeth reminds Macbeth that he needs to entertain his guests. He then makes a toast to good appetites, good digestion, and good health, but then Banquo’s ghost, unseen by Macbeth, enters the banquet and sits in Macbeth’s seat. Macbeth points out Banquo’s absence, stating that he hopes that Banquo’s absence is due to rudeness and not that something bad has happened to him. Lennox then suggests that the king sit, but when he looks toward his seat, Banquo’s ghost is sitting in his chair. Macbeth starts speaking to the air (no one can see Banquo in the king’s seat) and Ross declares that the king is unwell.
Lady Macbeth interrupts the spectacle by telling everyone that the king is suffering from a brief fit, while, under her breath, to Macbeth, asking if he is a man. She tells him that this is just another one of his hallucinations that happen when he is afraid, like the floating dagger. She tells him that these outbursts aren’t really fear, but more like how one acts if one were a woman telling a scary story. Macbeth then tries to show her Banquo’s ghost, but she asks him if his foolishness has paralyzed him. Macbeth says that he is being haunted, but Lady Macbeth reminds him that his noble friends miss his company. Macbeth then turns his attention to his guests and apologizes, with the explanation that he has a strange disorder, then gives another toast. Macbeth then turns back to Banquo’s ghost and loudly instructs the ghost to leave. Lady Macbeth tries to cover for his outburst by stating that the guests should think nothing of his strange behaviour, while Macbeth continues to ‘run’ the ghost, who finally vanishes. Lady Macbeth then asks everyone to leave after Macbeth makes things worse by attempting to justify his behaviour to his guests.
When the guests leave, Macbeth tells Lady Macbeth that the dead will have their revenge. He then tells her that he plans to summon MacDuff, and he will go and see the witches tomorrow because he wants to know the future in order to protect himself. He admits that he cannot stop killing now because he is steeped in a river of blood and that he has further schemes that he is planning to execute, and he has to execute them before he has a chance to think about it. Lady Macbeth and Macbeth then go to sleep, with Macbeth stating that his strange delusions must come from inexperience in committing crimes.
- What news did the first murderer report to Macbeth?
- How does Macbeth react to the news?
- How does Macbeth respond to Banquo’s ghost?
- How does Lady Macbeth manage the spectacle for the guests?
- How does she manage Macbeth privately?
- What are the plans that Macbeth tells Lady Macbeth?
Act 3, scene 5: The three witches meet Hecate, who berates them for not telling her about the havoc that they are playing with Macbeth. She wants to join in the game of goading him into overconfidence.
- Why is Hecate upset with the three witches?
Act 3, scene 6: Lennox contemplates the strange events that have occurred; Duncan and Banquo’s murder, and the fact that Fleance, Malcolm and Donalbain are all suspected of killing their fathers. He ponders how Macbeth was loyal when he killed the servants who were suspected of murdering King Duncan. Overall, he thinks that Macbeth has handled things well and reports that he hears that MacDuff is out of favour with the king because he failed to show up at Macbeth’s feast and speaks against the king. A lord then tells Lennox that Malcolm is treated very well in King Edward’s court in England and that he went there to ask the king for help to form an alliance with Northumberland and their lord, Siward. The lord further states that MacDuff hopes that with the procurement of England’s assistance, life in Scotland will improve by putting food on tables, decreasing violent murders, basically things that the Scottish people are pining for under Macbeth’s rule. Macbeth has heard this news and is upset. He was made further upset by the fact that MacDuff refused to return to Scotland, despite the fact that the messenger told him that he would regret this decision. Lennox then states that someone should go to the English court and tell MacDuff to return to Scotland quickly because the country is suffering under the tyrant Macbeth.
- Summarize the strange events that Lennox contemplates.
- What news does Lennox give about MacDuff?
- What does MacDuff hope will happen if they receive help from England?
- What are the conditions in Scotland during Macbeth’s reign as king?
- What warning does MacDuff receive when he refuses to return to Scotland?
CHARACTERIZATION
Macbeth
Macbeth is a calculating person. This is seen when he deliberately seeks out murderers to kill not just Banquo and Fleance. He then gives very specific instructions on when and where the murders should occur: “Within this hour at most I will advise you where to plant yourselves, Acquaint you with the perfect spy o’ th’ time, The moment on ‘t; for ‘t must be done tonight” (Act 3, scene 1, lines 128-131). This shows clear intent to murder two individuals, which speaks to him being a calculating person. This calculation is further seen in scene two, when he clearly states that one bad action leads to more bad actions “Things bad begun make strong themselves by ill” (Act 3, scene 2, p.100, line 56), which implies both knowledge and acceptance of the fact that he will do further harm to keep the throne.
Macbeth is also remorseful about the crimes that he has committed so far. This remorse is manifested in Banquo’s ghost, who is a literal manifestation of Macbeth’s guilt and sorrow at killing a good man. This remorse was seen even before he committed the first act, the murder of Duncan, when he sees the floating bloody dagger. It represented his guilty feelings about killing the king.
Banquo
Banquo is a discerning and smart person. This is seen when he was able to surmise that Macbeth took control of his destiny to ensure that he got the throne: “and I fear Thou played’st most foully for ‘t.” (Act 3, scene 1, lines 2-3).
Lady Macbeth
Lady Macbeth is ambitious. This is the case because she literally ignores her husband’s sadness, “Come on, gentle my lord, sleek o’er your rugged looks. Be bright and jovial among your guest tonight” (Act 3, scene 2, p. 98, lines 28-30) in order to ensure that he sticks to the now upgraded plan of keeping the throne. Lady Macbeth’s ambition is further revealed in her reaction to her husband’s stress, in Act 3, scene 4. When Macbeth has his first outburst, she asks him if he’s a woman, “(aside to Macbeth) Are you a man?” (Act 3, scene 4, p.112, line 58). This shows ambition because she disregards her husband’s pain in order to stick to the plan of maintaining the throne, she has disregarded all things soft and womanly, “Come, you spirits That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here, and fill me from the crown to the toe top - full Of direst cruelty.” (Act 1, scene 3, p.32, lines 41-44) in order to ensure that Macbeth keeps the throne. She also continuously tells Macbeth that his fears are nonsense, “O proper stuff!” (Act 3, scene 4, p.112, line 61).
Macbeth is a calculating person. This is seen when he deliberately seeks out murderers to kill not just Banquo and Fleance. He then gives very specific instructions on when and where the murders should occur: “Within this hour at most I will advise you where to plant yourselves, Acquaint you with the perfect spy o’ th’ time, The moment on ‘t; for ‘t must be done tonight” (Act 3, scene 1, lines 128-131). This shows clear intent to murder two individuals, which speaks to him being a calculating person. This calculation is further seen in scene two, when he clearly states that one bad action leads to more bad actions “Things bad begun make strong themselves by ill” (Act 3, scene 2, p.100, line 56), which implies both knowledge and acceptance of the fact that he will do further harm to keep the throne.
Macbeth is also remorseful about the crimes that he has committed so far. This remorse is manifested in Banquo’s ghost, who is a literal manifestation of Macbeth’s guilt and sorrow at killing a good man. This remorse was seen even before he committed the first act, the murder of Duncan, when he sees the floating bloody dagger. It represented his guilty feelings about killing the king.
Banquo
Banquo is a discerning and smart person. This is seen when he was able to surmise that Macbeth took control of his destiny to ensure that he got the throne: “and I fear Thou played’st most foully for ‘t.” (Act 3, scene 1, lines 2-3).
Lady Macbeth
Lady Macbeth is ambitious. This is the case because she literally ignores her husband’s sadness, “Come on, gentle my lord, sleek o’er your rugged looks. Be bright and jovial among your guest tonight” (Act 3, scene 2, p. 98, lines 28-30) in order to ensure that he sticks to the now upgraded plan of keeping the throne. Lady Macbeth’s ambition is further revealed in her reaction to her husband’s stress, in Act 3, scene 4. When Macbeth has his first outburst, she asks him if he’s a woman, “(aside to Macbeth) Are you a man?” (Act 3, scene 4, p.112, line 58). This shows ambition because she disregards her husband’s pain in order to stick to the plan of maintaining the throne, she has disregarded all things soft and womanly, “Come, you spirits That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here, and fill me from the crown to the toe top - full Of direst cruelty.” (Act 1, scene 3, p.32, lines 41-44) in order to ensure that Macbeth keeps the throne. She also continuously tells Macbeth that his fears are nonsense, “O proper stuff!” (Act 3, scene 4, p.112, line 61).
TECHNIQUE
Symbolism
Banquo’s ghost is haunting Macbeth. The fact that this ghost is a figment of Macbeth’s imagination tells us that Macbeth’s mind has conjured up his image from his feelings of remorse about killing this good man. The fact that Banquo’s ghost is also seated in Macbeth’s chair also speaks to the threat that Macbeth feels, based on the witches’ predictions about Banquo’s sons becoming kings “Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none.” (Act 1, scene 3, p.14, line 68). His throne is threatened by Banquo’s line.
Foreshadowing
The messenger tells Macduff that he will regret his decision to disobey Macbeth’s order to return to Scotland, “The cloudy messenger turns me his back, And hums, as who should say ‘You’ll rue the time That clogs me with his answer.’”(Act 3, scene 6, p.128, lines 42-44). This is a foreshadowing because it hints to the reader that something tragic will befall MacDuff.
Banquo’s ghost is haunting Macbeth. The fact that this ghost is a figment of Macbeth’s imagination tells us that Macbeth’s mind has conjured up his image from his feelings of remorse about killing this good man. The fact that Banquo’s ghost is also seated in Macbeth’s chair also speaks to the threat that Macbeth feels, based on the witches’ predictions about Banquo’s sons becoming kings “Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none.” (Act 1, scene 3, p.14, line 68). His throne is threatened by Banquo’s line.
Foreshadowing
The messenger tells Macduff that he will regret his decision to disobey Macbeth’s order to return to Scotland, “The cloudy messenger turns me his back, And hums, as who should say ‘You’ll rue the time That clogs me with his answer.’”(Act 3, scene 6, p.128, lines 42-44). This is a foreshadowing because it hints to the reader that something tragic will befall MacDuff.
CONFLICT
The type of conflict in this scene is man versus man. This is the case because, in order to ensure that his descendants keep the throne, Macbeth has hired men to murder both Macbeth and his son, Fleance: “And with him - To leave no rubs nor botches in the work - Fleance, his son, that keeps his company, Whose absence is no less material to me Than is his father’s, must embrace the fate Of that dark hour.” (Act 3, scene 1, p.94, lines 130-138). Act 3, scene 6 highlights man versus man yet again, when we learn that the witches are deliberately playing with Macbeth in order to fool him into thinking that he is greater than fate, “He shall spurn fate, scorn death, and bear His hopes ‘bove wisdom, grace and fear.” (Act 3, scene 5, p.126, lines 30-32).
The type of conflict in this scene is man versus man. This is the case because, in order to ensure that his descendants keep the throne, Macbeth has hired men to murder both Macbeth and his son, Fleance: “And with him - To leave no rubs nor botches in the work - Fleance, his son, that keeps his company, Whose absence is no less material to me Than is his father’s, must embrace the fate Of that dark hour.” (Act 3, scene 1, p.94, lines 130-138). Act 3, scene 6 highlights man versus man yet again, when we learn that the witches are deliberately playing with Macbeth in order to fool him into thinking that he is greater than fate, “He shall spurn fate, scorn death, and bear His hopes ‘bove wisdom, grace and fear.” (Act 3, scene 5, p.126, lines 30-32).
THEME
The major theme in Act Three is fate vs. free will. This is depicted in the contrast between Banquo and Macbeth’s responses to the prophecies that they were each given by the witches. Macbeth's prophecy states that he would be Thane of Cawdor, then king. He uses free will to enact a self-fulfilling prophecy by first killing King Duncan to get the throne, then killing Banquo to keep the throne. He disregards fate and uses his free will to ensure that the prophecy occurs, thereby initiating a self-fulfilling prophecy. Banquo, on the other hand, let fate take its course. He pondered the prophecy, then literally did nothing about it; if it is to be, it will be. These two characters are true foils of each other. Macbeth is the man of action, while Banquo is the man aligned with destiny.
Contributor: Leisa Samuels-Thomas
No Fear Shakespeare: Macbeth. 2003 Spark Publishing, Canada.
https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/macbeth-powerpoint-80354614/80354614?nway-content_model=A
https://literarydevices.com/
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.563773/full
No Fear Shakespeare: Macbeth. 2003 Spark Publishing, Canada.
https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/macbeth-powerpoint-80354614/80354614?nway-content_model=A
https://literarydevices.com/
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.563773/full
