Act 3

Question 1

Describe Macbeth’s feelings towards Banquo in Act 3, Scene 1.

Answer 1

Macbeth feels threatened by Banquo, viewing him as the only man in Scotland whom he fears. He is angered by the witches’ prophecy that Banquo’s descendants might become kings instead of his own.

Question 2

How does Banquo express his suspicions about Macbeth in Act 3, Scene 1?

Answer 2

Banquo voices his suspicions in a soliloquy, suggesting that Macbeth is responsible for Duncan’s murder and reflecting on the witches’ prophecy regarding his own lineage.

Question 3

Define the significance of the crown and scepter in Macbeth’s soliloquy.

Answer 3

The crown and scepter symbolize Macbeth’s power and authority as king, but he describes them as ‘fruitless’ and ‘barren,’ indicating his frustration that he cannot pass his power to his own heirs.

Question 4

What action does Macbeth take in response to his fears about Banquo?

Answer 4

Macbeth summons two murderers and manipulates them into agreeing to kill Banquo, exploiting their past grievances against him.

Question 5

How does Shakespeare use symbolism in Macbeth’s soliloquy in Act 3, Scene 1?

Answer 5

Shakespeare uses the crown and scepter as symbols of Macbeth’s kingship, highlighting his sense of emptiness and frustration over the inability to secure his legacy.

Question 6

Do Macbeth’s ambitions lead him to make moral compromises?

Answer 6

Yes, Macbeth’s ambition drives him to consider murdering his best friend, Banquo, to secure his family’s control over the throne.

Question 7

What theme is highlighted by Macbeth’s actions and thoughts in Act 3, Scene 1?

Answer 7

The theme of ambition is highlighted, showcasing how Macbeth’s desire for power leads him to contemplate betrayal and murder.

Question 8

How does Banquo’s promise to attend the feast affect Macbeth’s plans?

Answer 8

Banquo’s promise to attend the feast gives Macbeth a sense of urgency to eliminate him, as he sees Banquo as a threat to his throne.

Question 9

What does Macbeth mean by ‘fruitless crown’ and ‘barren scepter’?

Answer 9

These phrases express Macbeth’s feeling that his kingship is meaningless if he cannot pass it on to his descendants, reflecting his deep-seated insecurities about his power.

Question 10

Describe Lady Macbeth’s emotional state in the next scene after becoming Queen.

Answer 10

Lady Macbeth is out of sorts and laments her unsatisfaction with her position as Queen.

Question 11

How does Macbeth express his fears in the scene with Lady Macbeth?

Answer 11

Macbeth expresses his fears by stating that his mind is full of scorpions, indicating his anxiety about threats to their position.

Question 12

Define the significance of the shift in Macbeth’s language in this scene.

Answer 12

The shift in Macbeth’s language mirrors the hellish imagery previously displayed by Lady Macbeth, indicating his growing ambition and darker mindset.

Question 13

What does Macbeth imply about his actions regarding Banquo and Fleance?

Answer 13

Macbeth hints that he has organized the murder of Banquo and Fleance without stating it explicitly, showing his increasing control and decision-making.

Question 14

How does the imagery in Macbeth’s speech reflect Lady Macbeth’s earlier instructions?

Answer 14

Macbeth calls upon Darkness to shroud the castle, echoing Lady Macbeth’s earlier instruction to come thick night, indicating a shared dark ambition.

Question 15

Describe the events that occur in Act 3, Scene 3 involving Banquo and Fleance.

Answer 15

In Act 3, Scene 3, Banquo and Fleance are attacked by murderers in the woods; Banquo is killed while urging Fleance to escape and avenge his death.

Question 16

What is the outcome for Fleance during the attack by the murderers?

Answer 16

Fleance escapes during the attack, while Banquo is killed.

Question 17

How does this scene mark a turning point in Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s relationship?

Answer 17

The scene marks a turning point as Macbeth begins to take control and make decisions independently, without Lady Macbeth’s approval.

Question 18

What creatures does Macbeth reference in his speech, and what do they symbolize?

Answer 18

Macbeth references dark creatures like scorpions, a bat, and a shard-born beetle, symbolizing his embrace of deathly ambition and moral decay.

Question 19

What does Banquo cry out as he is attacked, and what does it signify?

Answer 19

Banquo cries for Fleance to fly and avenge his death, signifying his concern for his son’s safety and the desire for revenge.

Question 20

Describe the setting at the beginning of the banquet in Macbeth’s Castle.

Answer 20

The banquet is prepared, and Macbeth and Lady Macbeth enter to entertain their court.

Question 21

How does Macbeth react to the news of Banquo’s death and Fleance’s escape?

Answer 21

Macbeth is furious that Fleance has escaped but returns to the table to entertain the guests.

Question 22

What supernatural event occurs as Macbeth goes to take his seat at the banquet?

Answer 22

A ghostly apparition of Banquo has taken his place at the table.

Question 23

Define Lady Macbeth’s role during Macbeth’s outbursts at the banquet.

Answer 23

Lady Macbeth attempts to calm Macbeth without success and urges the guests to leave.

Question 24

How does Macbeth explain his strange behavior to the guests?

Answer 24

He attempts to explain it as a strange illness that quickly passes.

Question 25

What happens when Macbeth raises a toast at the banquet?

Answer 25

Banquo’s ghost returns, leading to more mad outbursts from Macbeth.

Question 26

What does Macbeth reveal about Macduff’s absence from the banquet?

Answer 26

He discusses Macduff’s absence and reveals he has spies reporting on Macduff’s behavior.

Question 27

How does Macbeth express his feelings about the murders he has committed?

Answer 27

He admits, ‘I am in blood stepped in so far that should I wade no more, returning were as tedious as to go over,’ showing his awareness of the stains on his soul and his resolve to continue.

Question 28

What theme does Shakespeare explore through Macbeth’s character in this scene?

Answer 28

Shakespeare explores the theme of violence as Macbeth’s humanity diminishes, leading him to become more of a tyrant.

Question 29

What is the significance of Macbeth’s admission about being ‘in blood’?

Answer 29

It expresses his awareness of the moral consequences of his actions and his determination to continue down his dark path.

Question 30

Describe the role of Hecate in the scene involving the Witches.

Answer 30

Hecate, the goddess of Witchcraft, expresses anger towards the Witches for interfering in Macbeth’s affairs and decides to take control of their dealings with him, instructing them to summon visions to confuse and deceive him.

Question 31

How do Lennox and the Lord perceive the murder of Banquo?

Answer 31

Lennox and the Lord suspect that Macbeth is involved in the murder of Banquo, despite the blame being placed on Fleance.

Question 32

Define the significance of Macduff’s departure to England.

Answer 32

Macduff’s departure to join Malcolm in England signifies a growing resistance against Macbeth’s tyranny and a hope for restoring peace to Scotland.

Question 33

What is the mood of the scene when Lennox meets with the Lord?

Answer 33

The mood is one of suspicion and concern as they discuss the state of the Kingdom and the recent murders.

Question 34

How does Hecate’s intervention affect the Witches’ plans?

Answer 34

Hecate’s intervention shifts the control of the Witches’ plans regarding Macbeth, as she takes charge and directs them to create deceptive visions.

Question 35

Describe the context in which the Witches prepare for their meeting.

Answer 35

The Witches exit to prepare for a meeting after Hecate instructs them to summon visions for Macbeth, indicating a shift in their role in the plot.

Question 36

What does the conversation between Lennox and the Lord reveal about the political situation in Scotland?

Answer 36

The conversation reveals a climate of distrust and unrest in Scotland, with suspicions surrounding Macbeth’s involvement in the murders and Macduff’s alliance with Malcolm.

Question 37

How does the scene reflect the theme of deception in Macbeth?

Answer 37

The scene reflects the theme of deception through Hecate’s plan to confuse Macbeth with visions, highlighting the manipulation and treachery present in the play.