Act 3 Scene 3 Flashcards
overview of act III scene iii
banquo is murdered but fleance escapes
Why does Macbeth send a third murderer?
Macbeth does not fully trust the first two murderers. The third murderer is likely sent to ensure Banquo is actually killed.
how is the mood/tone set?
- sun is setting
- darkness is coming
- symbolises the terror of macbeth’s reign
how does banquo enter and how does that portray him?
- banquo approaches carrying a torch
- light symbolic of his goodness
- WHEN HE IS MURDERED, THE LIGHT GOES OUT- HIS GOODNESS HAS BEEN DESTROYED
Finish the quote: ‘O, treachery! Fly, good Fleance, fly, fly, fly!’
“‘Thou may’st revenge — O slave!’”
‘O, treachery! Fly, good Fleance, fly, fly, fly! Thou may’st revenge — O slave!’
”- Banquo’s final words encourage his son to seek revenge.
- Foreshadows Fleance’s return as a threat to Macbeth.
- Highlights the theme of fate vs. free will.”
Finish the quote: ‘The son is fled.’
“‘We have lost best half of our affair.’”
‘The son is fled. We have lost best half of our affair.’
- The murderers acknowledge that failing to kill Fleance means Macbeth’s fears are not fully eliminated.
- Implies that Fleance may still fulfill the witches’ prophecy.
- Shows that it is impossible to cheat fate - Macbeth would have become King even if he hadn’t forced it to happen
How does this scene affect Macbeth’s power?
- Although Banquo is killed, Fleance’s escape means Macbeth’s position is still threatened.
- The failure of the murderers foreshadows Macbeth’s declining control.
- Shows Macbeth’s increasing desperation.
What is the significance of Act 3, Scene 3?
- Marks the first time Macbeth orders a murder without Lady Macbeth’s involvement.
- The failure to kill Fleance keeps the witches’ prophecy alive.
- Begins Macbeth’s downfall, as his paranoia will only increase.
