Macbeth: Act 3 Questions

Scene 1: Questions 2,3 & 5:

Question 2-

Banquo was aware of the three witches prophecies and was suspicious of Macbeth’s actions. However, he can only be deemed an accomplice if he was fully aware that Macbeth wanted to kill Duncan. Banquo was suspicious but not certain of Macbeth’s intentions. He even tried to question Macbeth’s motives in act 2, scene 1 when he mentioned thinking about the witches. In act 3, scene 1, Banquo states that Macbeth “played’st most foully for ’t.” (Line 3). At this point, Banquo suspects Macbeth of cheating to win the titles. Even after the murder ensued, not once did Banquo state with full conviction that he believes Macbeth is the murder. Instead, he always doubted whether Macbeth was the murderer or not. Banquo is not an accomplice because he wasn’t fully aware about what Macbeth could do to achieve this title. His silence only represents his uncertainty about Macbeth’s actions, not his willingness to partake in the murder.  Another important factor to consider is that Banquo, without any hesitation, told Macbeth that he would be riding horses with Fleance. If Banquo truly knew that Macbeth was the killer, he would fear his own safety and not let Macbeth be aware of his location. Hence, Banquo can not be considered as an accomplice.

Question 3-

Macbeth offers many reasons as to why he wanted Banquo murdered. He begins by stating that his “fears in Banquo stick deep.” (2.1.54-55) He fears Banquo will father a line of kings. Macbeth also states that Banquo is willing to take risks and his mind never stops working. He also believes that Banquo has wisdom to act bravely but also safely. (“He hath wisdom that doth guide his valor”) Macbeth also believes that he has tortured his own conscience and murdered the gracious Duncan for Banquo’s sons. (Lines 55-65). These are some of the reasons that Macbeth puts forth to murder Banquo.

Question 5-

Macbeth was hesitant to carry out Duncan’s murder. Lady Macbeth was also involved in the murder and carried a huge role in convincing and persuading Macbeth. However, in Banquo’s murder, Macbeth was seen as more active, confident, and assured with his plan than before. The three servants were hired to murder Banquo and it seemed as if Macbeth was more ambitious and less reluctant than the previous murder. It seems as if it is easier for Macbeth to murder now. He is making independent decisions and carrying out the murder without consulting Lady Macbeth.

Scene 2: Question 1

Lady Macbeth states that “Naught’s had, all’s spent/ where our desire is got without content. ‘Tis safer to be that which we destroy/ than by destruction dwell in doubtful joy” (3.2.6-10). Lady Macbeth states that if you get what you want and you’re still not happy, you’ve spent everything and gained nothing. She believes that it’s better to be the person who gets murdered than to be the killer and be tormented with anxiety. In this scene, it is evident that the Macbeth’s are unhappy even after attaining the crown. The anxiety, torment, doubtfulness, and uncertainty are all reasons for their unhappiness. The crown seems fruitless which results in disappointment. Anxiety and torment are the product of murdering, especially a loved one.

Scene 4: Questions 1 & 4

Question 1-

Macbeth’s downfall begins as soon as he hears that Fleance has escaped. He then sees the ghost of Banquo which causes a series of guilt-ridden moments. Visions of Banquo’s ghost represent the guilt, fear, and paranoia that consume Macbeth. In addition, Macbeth notices Macduff’s absence from the banquet. This scares him because he fears that Macduff is beginning to doubt him.

Question 4-

Macbeth in the beginning can be described as a fearless and confident man but after seeing the ghost, he can be seen as a weak, doubtful, and delusional character. If one was at the banquet, they would describe Macbeth’s actions as foolish and dramatic. The frightening scene causes Macbeth to act in a foolish manner and this is not beneficial for him since other characters can guess that Macbeth is guilty of a crime.

Scene 5: Question 1

Hecate’s speech reveals that Macbeth will be fooled into thinking he is greater than fate, he will mock death, and he will think he is above wisdom, grace, and fear. Hecate states that “security is mortals’ chiefest enemy.” In other words, she is indicating that overconfidence will lead Macbeth to ruin.

Scene 6: Questions 2,3 & 4

Question 2-

The Lord reveals that Macduff has fled to England to join up with Malcolm, who is mustering a military force to rid of Scotland of Macbeth’s blood tyranny.

Question 3-

I think that Macbeth is going to kill Macduff and Fleance next. Macbeth feels threatened by Fleance (as mentioned in his speech to the three murderers in scene 1). Macduff is also a loyal addition to the play and is a character that Macbeth used to be.

Question 4-

In this scene, Lennox hints at his belief that Macbeth is responsible for the deaths of the king and Banquo. The purpose is to let the audience know that Macbeth’s people do not trust him, foreshadowing his eventual downfall.