1. Act III discussion questions

2. Act III, scene 1, lines 1-10 In lines 2-3 what does Banquo think about Macbeth? In lines 8-10 why does Banquo believe that his children will be kings?

3. Act III, scene 1, lines 54-65 Why does Macbeth perceive Banquo as a threat?

4. Act III, scene 1, lines 75-140 Who does Macbeth talk to in these lines?

5. Act III, scene 1, lines 76-79 Lines 76-79--What is the main idea of Macbeth’s speech to them?

6. Act III, scene 1, lines 108-114 Lines 108-114—how do they describe themselves?

7. Act III, scene 1, lines Lines 116-140—Exactly what has Macbeth asked them to do?

8. Act III, scene 2, lines 27-28 “Gentle my lord, sleek o'er your rugged looks; / Be bright and jovial among your guests to-night.” How does Lady Macbeth describe her husband in these lines? What does she tell him to do? Which theme is represented here?

9. Act III, scene 2, line 36 “O, full of scorpions is my mind, dear wife!” Explain the metaphor Macbeth uses in this line.

10. Act III, scene 2, line 45-46 “Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck, / Till thou applaud the deed.” How is Macbeth protecting his wife in this line? How does this contrast with earlier events in the play?

11. Act III, scene 3, lines 1-4 What does the presence of the mysterious third murderer tell us about Macbeth?

12. Act III, scene 3, lines 17-18 Lines 17-18: what does Banquo tell Fleance to do?

13. Act III, scene 3 All of scene 3: do the murderers fulfill Macbeth’s instructions?

14. Act III, scene 4, lines 30-32 Lines 30-32 Why does Macbeth fear Fleance?

15. Act III, scene 4, lines 33-38 What does Lady Macbeth urge Macbeth to do in lines 33-38?

16. Act III, scene 4, lines 47-52 Line 47-52—what does Macbeth see at the banquet? How does he respond to it?

17. Act III, scene 4, lines Lines 54-59—how does Lady Macbeth explain Macbeth’s behavior?

18. Act III, scene 4, lines 86-93 What is the purpose of Macbeth’s speech in lines 86-93?

19. Act III, scene 4, lines 129-133 Who is suspiciously absent from Macbeth’s banquet? How will Macbeth find out about this absent person?

20. Act III, scene 4, lines 133-136 What else does Macbeth plan to do the next day?

21. Act III, scene 5, lines 3-9 Lines 3-9—Why is Hecate angry with the other witches?

22. Act III, scene 5, lines 10-13 Lines 10-13—What does she think of Macbeth?

23. Act III, scene 5, lines 30-33 Lines 30-33—What will Hecate do to Macbeth? What truth about human nature does she express?

24. Act III, scene 6, lines 1-20 Lines 1-20—Does Lennox literally mean the words he says? Why or why not?

25. Act III, scene 6, lines 24-35 Lines 24-35—According to the Lord, where has Macduff gone, and why?

26. Act III, scene 6, lines Lines 37-39—What is Macbeth preparing for?