1. Macbeth Act III Notes

2. ACT III: scene i ▪ Banquo opens the scene by voicing his suspicions that Macbeth has committed murder in order to obtain the crown. Macbeth is planning a feast for all of his lords, but Banquo is leaving with his son Fleance. Banquo assures the king he will be back in time for the feast. ▪ Macbeth meets with two murderers he has hired to kill Banquo and Fleance. He assures the assassins they will be pardoned for previous crimes if they do his bidding.

3. ACT III: scene ii ▪ Lady Macbeth expresses the idea that although she and Macbeth have the crowns, which they desired, it is better to be dead like Duncan than always worried about getting caught. ▪ Macbeth voices his concerns about Banquo and Fleance. ▪ Macbeth urges Lady Macbeth to praise Banquo and give him a seat of honor at the banquet. He hints that he has put into motion something really bad, but will not tell Lady Macbeth what it is.

4. ACT III: scene iii ▪ The hired murderers are joined by a third “murderer.” Banquo is successfully killed, but Fleance gets away.

5. ACT III: scene iv ▪ Macbeth holds a feast for his lords and ladies. ▪ The assassin comes reports that Banquo is dead, but Fleance escaped. ▪ Macbeth tries to sit down at the table, but the ghost of Banquo is sitting in his seat. Macbeth continues to talk to the ghost, who no one else can see. Lady Macbeth attempts to make excuses for Macbeth, saying he has a “condition.” ▪ Macbeth voices his concerns that Macduff was not present at the feast. He states he has spies in Macduff’s household. Macbeth also plans to go see the witches again.

6. ACT III: scene vi ▪ Lennox voices his concerns that Macbeth is the source of all these deaths. ▪ We learn that Macduff is actually in England, trying to raise an army against Macbeth.