act 3 scene 4 events and quotes Flashcards
why is the scene structurally central?
its the height of Macbeth’s power & the moment he is undermined
the scene moves from what
order to chaos- socially (disorderly ranks) to psychologically (Macbeth’s madness)
key moments in the scene: banquet?
- orderly arrival of guests to Macbeth’s banquet to assert his crowned power
key moments in the scene: murderers?
- murderers report on death of Banquo & Fleance has fled
how does Macbeth react to Banquo’s ghost?
with horror & he feels guilt for hiring assassins
what does Lady Macbeth criticise Macbeth on?
his weakness but the ghost’s return precipitates madness
how is Macbeth left?
left isolated & alone- to resolve his bloody path
what detail about Banquo’s murder highlights Macbeth’s paranoia?
“twenty trenched gashes on his head”- shows how brutal the murderers were to ensure they got the job done completely right
what does Macbeth describe Banquo & Fleance as?
- Banquo- “grown serpent”
- Fleance- “the worm that’s fled”
what quote does Macbeth say that shows he has seen Banquo’s ghost?
“The table’s full”
“never shake those… (Macbeth)
gory locks at me”
what does “gory locks” mean?
Banquo’s hair is all bloody and gruesome and gory- from the 20 gashes on his head
what does Lady Macbeth say to reassure the guests?
“Sit, worthy friends: my lord is often thus”
what does Lady Macbeth say to Macbeth that again questions his masculinity?
“Are you a man?”
“This is the very painting… (Lady Macbeth)
of your fear: this is the air-drawn dagger which, you said, led you to Duncan”
