Macbeth Study Guide: Act III

What is Banquo thinking about at the beginning of Act III? What the witches told him about becoming King and Macbeth’s actions.
What are Banquo’s plans for the day? to go riding horses with Fleance.
In Macbeth’s soliloquy in Scene I, he gives his reasons for wanting Banquo dead. What are Macbeth’s reasons for wanting Banquo dead? 1. he is honest. 2. Banquo may figure out what Macbeth has done.3. his sons will become King.
How was Macbeth convince the murders to kill Banquo? He convinces them that Banquo has harmed them or is the cause for their unhappiness.
What reason does Macbeth have for wanting Fleance dead? Fleance may become King one day.
In Scene 2, Lady Macbeth speculates that Macbeth is unhappy. Why is Macbeth unhappy? He cannot sleep since he murdered Duncan.
What does Macbeth say about sleep in Act II Scene 2? “sleep no more, Macbeth does murder sleep”
How has the relationship between Lady Macbeth and Macbeth changed from Act I? Lady Macbeth was the one making the plans to kill King Duncan and she called Macbeth weak, now she has no idea of Macbeth’s plans and she is concerned because he cannot rest.
What mistake do the murders make when carrying out Macbeth’s plan? Fleance gets away.
What is the first interruption of the banquet? What news does he bring? What is Macbeth’s reaction? The murders. Fleance has escaped. He becomes upset.
What surprise is waiting for Macbeth in his seat at the banquet? Banquo’s ghost. (only Macbeth sees the ghost)
How does Lady Macbeth cover for Macbeth, again? Why does she finally end the banquet? She says it’s a long term problem, that Macbeth has a disorder which causes him to hallucinate. Lady Macbeth cancels the banquet because she is afraid Macbeth will confess to the murders.
What does the audience learn the witches have in store for Macbeth? The witches will trick Macbeth into thinking he is greater than fate, he will mock death, and he is above wisdom, grace, and fear.
What remarks does Lennox make to let the audience know he is suspicious of Macbeth? He uses sarcasm when talking about the events and how Macbeth is connected to all of it.
What dos the audience learn about the whereabouts of Malcolm? Macduff? Why is it important? Macduff and Malcome are in England with King Edward. They are asking King Edward to send the English army to overthrow Macbeth because he is an evil dictator.
Note the use of animal imagery continues in this act as well. List several examples from Act III. Fleance and Banquo are snakes. Men are dogs.
September 9, 2019