Macbeth Act 3

Scene One -Banquo talks about the weird sisters and the fact that Macbeth is now king -Banquo points out that the witches might be “his oracles as well”line 9 -Macbeth makes sure that Banquo is coming to the feast tonight -Macbeth asks if Banquo is going for a ride this afternoon -Macbeth asks all kinds of details about Banquo’s ride—asking also if Fleance will be with him. -Macbeth’s soliloquy: line 47-72

Reflecting upon how Banquo is the only one who he fears— --Banquo has wisdom, valour, but common sense to act safely -Allusion—Mark Antony and Caesar (fearful when near another’s guiding spirit) Lit terms booklet: add Allusion: A reference to a famous place, literary character/book, historical moment, god or goddess for dramatic effect.

Banquo’s prophesy was that he would beget kings -Macbeth’s crown is “fruitless” no kiddies for Macbeth -Macbeth does not want his murderous deed to benefit Banquo’s kids -Macbeth is going to try to defy fate ENTER THE MURDERERS!!!!!!! -Macbeth is hiring murderers to kill Banquo and Fleance while they go out riding this afternoon

Scene Two -Another room in the palace—Lady Macbeth and a servant talk -Lady Macbeth asks to speak with Macbeth -Asks Macbeth what’s bothering him—if it’s the murder—line 12 “what’s done is done” -Macbeth replies that “we have scotch’d the snake, not kill’d it” worried about the fact that Duncan is dead, but he is not safe from the prophesies -he suffers from “affliction of these terrible dreams that shake us nightly” line 18-19 -Lady Macbeth attempts to sooth him -“Full of scorpions is my mind” line 36 he will not be soothed, his mind is being affected not only by Duncan’s murder, but Banquo’s as well, although he does not share his plan to murder Banquo and Fleance with Lady Macbeth -Macbeth is now taking on the role of the masculine murderer

Scene Three Murderers kill Banquo but Fleance escapes A third murderer was hired by Macbeth to ensure that the two murderers complete the deed Banquo asks Fleance to get revenge

Scene Four A banquet is prepared Macbeth welcomes his guests (lords etc.) At the side door, Macbeth speaks to the murderer—learns that Fleance is escaped Line 29-31 “There the grown serpent lies: the worm that’s fled/ Hath nature that in time will venom breed/ No teeth for the present” L. Macbeth beckons Macbeth back to the feast Macbeth will not sit down because he sees that there is no place for him to sit because the ghost of Banquo is sitting at his place

No one else can see the ghost, and so Macbeth appears to be quite mad to his guests Lady Macbeth tries to explain away his behaviour. Line 116 “What sights, my lord” says Ross— Macbeth says before this questions: 114 “When now I think you can behold such sights/ And keep the natural ruby of your cheeks” Macbeth is asking how the people at the feast can look at the ghost and still stay sane— Lady Macbeth sends everyone home in fear that Macbeth will reveal what he sees Macduff refused to attend the feast At the end of the scene Macbeth says: “we are yet but young in deed” He is going to continue with the blood bath

Scene Five Hecate (the head witch) is angry because the three witches did not include her in their plans Macbeth is called a “wayward son” which indicates that he is unfaithful to the evil spirits who have been “leading him forward in his actions” Hecate is going to make Macbeth feel secure in his situation—and that will be his downfall.

Scene Six VERBAL IRONY—the opposite is said to what is meant— Lennox talks about Macbeth’s actions, indicating that the people in the castle know about his treachery The lord talks about Malcolm being in the English court and how he should be king Macduff continues to refuse to come at Macbeth’s bidding FORESHADOWING THE issues that Macbeth is about to face— Macduff/Malcolm/his lords suspicious and waiting to take action