| In his soliloquy, what suspicion does Banquo reveal? | that Macbeth’s prophecies are true, but not his |
| Macbeth seems to be very interested in Banquo’s travel plans. Why? | He doesn’t want Banquo to be late because it’ll mess up his plan of murdering him. |
| The speech beginning “To be thus is nothing…” is another one often quoted. What is the meaning of that sentence? | His murder of Duncan is no big deal. Macbeth believes he is the rightful king |
| What is there in Banquo’s character that makes Macbeth uneasy? | He has something overpowering in his natural nobility of character |
| What is there in he situation with Banquo that particularly upsets Macbeth? | That the Weird Sisters are right because Macbeth killed Duncan for Banquo’s kids |
| How does Macbeth convince the murderers to kill Banquo and Fleance? | Convinces them that they have miserable lives because of Banquo |
| What does Macbeth tell them to do? | tells them to kill Banquo and Fleance |
| What is the meaning of Lady M’s opening speech? 3.2 | They killed some of the threats but not all of them. |
| In this scene what is Macbeth’s state of mind? | Depressed, guilty, spending a lot of time alone, not sleeping |
| On the other hand, how does Macbeth show that his resolve and ambition have become stronger? | Plans the murder of Banquo and Fleance alone, without the help of Lady Macbeth |
| What happens at the ambush? | Banquo is killed, Fleance runs away |
| Once characteristic of Shakespeare’s style is his play on words. How is this demonstrated in Macbeth’s response to the murderers saying it’s Banquo’s blood on his face? | “Tis better thee without, than he within” It’s better that you have Banquo’s blood on you, rather than in his body |
| The dagger Macbeth saw in Act 2 Scene 1 was a hallucination. Banquo’s ghost in this scene is not. How do we know? | Banquo’s ghost takes Macbeth’s seat. The stage directions tell the ghost what to do |
| Upon returning to the banquet table, what does Macbeth see and how does he respond? How do the others respond? | … |
| What does Lady Macbeth say to Macbeth? | She asks if he’s even a man. Tells him he’s just imagining it |
| How does lady Macbeth behave during the dinner, and what is the final result? | … |
| For what reason does Macbeth mention Macduff’s name? | His refusal to come to dinner was an insult and an act of defiance |
| What does Macbeth say he will do next? | He’ll send for the Scottish nobles because none of them came |
| Who is Hecate and why is she angry? | Queen of Weird Sisters, they dealt with Macbeth |
| What is her plan for Macbeth? | Wants to make him feel confused |
| How can we interpret Lennox’s speech? | Suspects Macbeth would kill Malcom and Donaldbain if they were in Scotland. They should have fled |
| What further exposition does Shakespeare offer through the Lord? | Under Macbeth, the Scotts pine for food, sleep and peace |
Macbeth Act 3 Study Guide
July 7, 2019