| Why do you think Banquo has told no one about the prophecies? | He doesn’t want to put himself or his son in danger |
| What will Banquo be doing on this day? | He was going to ride horses with Fleance after sunset. |
| Who are our “bloody cousins”? | Malcolm and Donalbain |
| Explain Macbeth’s line: To be thus (king) is nothing, but to be safely thus…”. | To be king is nothing if I’m not safe. |
| What is the main reason that Macbeth feels Banquo is a threat to him? | Banquo is the father of kings, so his descendants are going to take the crown from Macbeth. |
| Is it likely that Banquo will try to wrench the throne from Macbeth or is it Macbeth’s imagination? | Macbeth’s imagination |
| What does Macbeth tell the murderers to fuel their anger against Banquo? | Banquo is the reason for their money problems |
| How does the second murderer feel about the world? | He doesn’t care about anything |
| Why does Macbeth say that he can’t openly punish Banquo? | He doesn’t want to offend him and Banquo’s mutual friends. |
| How important is Fleance’s death? | Very important, he will be the one to take the crown |
| What does Macbeth say might be better than the nightmares that torment him? | Death |
| Who is “sleeping” more soundly than Macbeth? | Duncan |
| Who do you think is the mysterious third murderer? | Lady Macbeth |
| In the scuffle, Fleance escapes. Does this seem realistic considering his youth? | Yes |
| Why is Fleance’s escape EXTREMELY important? | … |
| Why does Macbeth not sit down at the banquet table? | The ghost of Banquo is sitting there |
| How does Lady Macbeth Explain her husband’s strange behavior? | That he is having an emotional breakdown that he has been doing since childhood. |
| Macbeth says, “My own interests and needs take precedence over all else.” Is this the proper attitude for a king? | No, the place that he rules over should come first |
| Why does Macbeth want to see the witches again? | He wants to hear more prophecies. |
| Is retreat possible at this point? | No, he’s to far in |
| What does Lady Macbeth think Macbeth needs? | Sleep |
| How does Macbeth rationalize that he is seeing ghosts? | His fears are getting to him and he used to be a good man so how he is acting isn’t normal. |
| Where has Macduff gone? | To ask for help in England |
| Why has Macduff left his family? | To ask for help |
Macbeth (Act 3)
July 3, 2019