Macbeth
by William Shakespeare
(Act Three - Study Guide)

ACT THREE - 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 _______________ about Banquo and his ________________ __________ Banquo is not only daring and courageous, but he has ________________ to guide him to act in _______________. Banquo is the only one I ______ and my own ________________ (conscience) is ________________(scolded) by him just as __________ ________________ was by Caesar. He Challenged the ________________ when they put the name of ________________ upon me, and told them to ____________ ______ __________; then they like a _________ hailed ___________ as the father to ____________ _____ __________. The ________________ said that I would become _________, but have no successor of my own blood. If this is true, then I have defiled my _____________, murdered the ______________ ______________ disturbed all of my _______________ and my __________ __________(soul) I have given to the common _____________ _____ _________ (devil). I did all of this to make way for the _____________ of ________________ to be kings. __________. Rather than let that happen I will fight against ___________ (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 compared to Act One when King Duncan's murder was planned.

2. What do you think Macbeth means when he says, "Things bad begun make strong themselves by ill."?

ACT THREE - SCENE 3:

1. What went wrong with Macbeth's plot to have Banquo and Fleance murdered?

2. How does this relate to the witches' prophecy?

ACT THREE - SCENE 4:

1. What ironic event marks the climax of this play?

2. What two things does Macbeth now plan to do? Why?

a)

b)

ACT THREE - SCENE 5:

How does this scene reveal Macduff as the possible nemesis of Macbeth?