MACBETH
ACT THREE (Answers)
ACT THREE (Answers)
– SCENE 1: Macbeth is now King of Scotland
1. What does Banquo reveal to us in his opening speech?
In their conversation Macbeth learns that Banquo is going on a mission and Fleance (Banquo’s son) will be going with him. Macbeth wishes Banquo a safe trip and tells him be sure to return in time for the coronation feast that evening. Macbeth is again left with his thoughts. – Lines 47-71 comprise the third of Macbeth’s four soliloquies in the play. This one shows his uneasy state of mind and his determination to thwart or block the witches’ prophecy that Banquo will be the father of kings.
2.COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING PARAPHRASE OF MACBETH’S SOLILOQUY BY FILLING IN THE BLANKS.
To be king means nothing unless I am secure in the position. I have deep fear about Banquo and his dauntless temper. Banquo is not only daring and courageous, but he has wisdom to guide him to act in safety. Banquo is the only one I fear and my own genius (conscience) is rebuked (scolded) by him just as Mark Antony was by Caesar. He challenged the sisters when they put the name of king upon me and told them to speak to me, then like a prophet-like hailed him as the father to a line of kings. The sisters said that that I would become king, but have no successor of my own blood. If this is true, then I have defiled my mind, murdered the gracious Duncan disturbed all of my rancor's and my vessels of peace(soul) I have given to the common enemy eternal jewel(devil).I did all of this to make way for the seeds of Banquo to be kings. Rather than let that happen I will fight against Fate (witches’ prophecy)to the death! Macbeth proceeds to hire some murderers to attack and kill Banquo and his son, Fleance, on the road.
ACT THREE – SCENE 2:
Lady Macbeth emerges as a lonely, pathetic figure. She no longer takes a lead in making plans; her husband now assumes that role. Her close relationship with Macbeth no longer exists. (She knows nothing of Macbeth’s plans to murder Banquo and Fleance.) Macbeth has become a prisoner of evil who suffers from the fear of discovery by day and the torments of nightmares by night. The ill-gotten crown has brought only mental anguish to Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.
1.Quote the lines that show that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth have reversed roles in their relationship as compares to Act One when King Duncan’s murder was planned.
Lady Macbeth: You must leave this.
Macbeth: O, full of scorpions is my mind, dear wife! Thou know’st that Banquo and his Fleance lives.
-So now Macbeth is planning everything and he is not taking any advice from his wife. Macbeth tells his wife to pay special regard to Banquo at the banquet. He speaks contemptuously to flatter deceitfully.
2. What do you think Macbeth means when he says,” Things bad begun make strong themselves by ill.”?
-He hints darkly that terrible deeds will be performed that night.
ACT THREE – SCENE 3:
1. What went wrong with Macbeth’s plot to have Banquo and Fleance murdered?
-Macbeth’s plot went wrong because he sent murderers to have Banquo and Fleance murdered but Fleance escaped and his father was murdered. So this was a risk for Macbeth.
2. How does this relate to the witches’ prophecy?
-This event showed that the witches’ prophecy was true. That Banquo himself would not be king but his son yes.
ACT THREE – SCENE 4:
1. What ironic event marks the climax of this play?
-Macbeth consoles himself that Fleance is too young to do harm yet. Lady Macbeth bids him welcome his guests. The sight of Banquo’s Ghost unnerves Macbeth. Lady Macbeth attempts to calm the Lords. Lady Macbeth rebukes Macbeth for his display of fear. The Ghost leaves. Macbeth broods on how the dead return. He recovers his composure, reassures the thanes and proposes a toast. The Ghost re-enters. This showed that Macbeth had an impure conscience and that evil stuffs were tormenting him.
2. What two things does Lady Macbeth now plan to do? Why?
a)She rebukes Macbeth for his display of fear.
b)After the Ghost comes again in Macbeth’s mind, she orders the Lords to leave.
ACT THREE – SCENE 5:
How does this scene reveal Macduff as the possible nemesis of Macbeth?
-This scene reveals Macduff as the possible nemesis of Macbeth when Macduff swears to kill Macbeth for vengeance. So he had a very strong reason to be the number one enemy of Macbeth
By Kristi Tuka. 10B
