Macbeth: Act III

Name:___________________

Bro. Robert K. Peach, F.S.C.

ENG 141 British Literature

February 2008

Critical Thinking, re: Macbeth

Act III Scene 1 (III.i)

1. Briefly summarize the events of Act II. What do you predict will happen in light of Macbeth’s deceitful actions to gain kingship? Can Macbeth expect to rule in peace? Explain?

2. Explain Banquo’s opening speech. Why might Banquo have kept the information about the witches to himself?

3. What is ironic about Macbeth’s invitation to Banquo and Banquo’s response to the invitation based upon what we know about their mutual suspicion of each other? (cf. lines 13-17).

4. In lines 18 and following, Macbeth questions Banquo about his afternoon ride, when and where he is going. Why do you think Macbeth might want to know this?

5. Who are the “bloody cousin’s referred to by Macbeth in lines 29-32? What do we learn about these “cousins”?

6. Briefly explain the first part of Macbeth’s soliloquy from lines 49-57. Then briefly explain the second part that runs from the middle of line 57-72.

7. What is Macbeth saying in his speech, lines 75-84? Why do you think he might have told the murderers this?

8. How is manhood portrayed based off of what Macbeth says in his speech, lines 92-108, and what Lady Macbeth says in Act I, vii, lines 49-54 (p. 316)?

9. What kind of conflict does Macbeth express in lines 116-126? Who is worried about offending?

10. Do you believe the reasons Macbeth gives for not killing Banquo himself? What reasons might he really have for not wanting to kill Banquo himself? (cf. lines 116126)

11. What is ironic about Macbeth’s seeming dismissal of Fleance’s (Banquo’s son) importance in the grand scheme of his kingship? (cf. lines 134-139)

12. What does Macbeth ask the murderers to do?

Act III Scene 2 (III.ii)

1. What kind of conflict is Lady Macbeth dealing with in lines 4-7? What has she realized about her actions?

2. What is Macbeth saying in response to Lady Macbeth’s uncertainty in lines 13-26? How have they “changed places” so to speak in terms of their perception of the crime?

3. To what does Macbeth compare death in lines 13-26? What is ironic about what he says of Duncan, who now “sleeps well”? What does this imply about the internal conflict with which Macbeth is dealing?

4. Dramatic irony occurs when the words or actions of a character take on a meaning different from the one the character intends. What is ironic about the way Macbeth intends to treat Banquo at the banquet that night?

5. In brief, explain what Macbeth is saying in lines 45-56.

Act III Scene 3 (III.iii)

1. Please give a brief review of the events of scene iii.

2. Why does Fleance’s escape create an external conflict for Macbeth? What was he trying to do in light of the witches’ prophecy regarding the succession of his throne to Banquo’s descendents and not his own?

3. Considered by many to be the climax of the story, why do you think Fleance’s escape so important to the drama?

Act III Scene 4 (III.iv)

1. Explain Macbeth’s aside in lines 29-33.

2. What is ironic about Lady Macbeth’s correction of Macbeth’s behavior in light of what has transpired regarding Duncan and Banquo?

3. What is ironic about Macbeth’s statement in lines 41-42 regarding Banquo?

4. Explain the following concept using examples from the plot: Macbeth is prisoner of his fears. (cf. lines 22-26 for Macbeth’s statement on “fear” up to this point of the plot)

5. What might the appearance of Banquo’s ghost tell us about Macbeth’s feelings regarding the murder?

6. How is fear tied up in Macbeth’s illusion of the “floating dagger” in Act II and now with the illusion of Banquo’s ghost?

7. Explain Macbeth’s view of the murder based off of what he is saying in lines 76-84.

8. Explain Macbeth’s feelings based off what he says in lines 112-117.

9. Explain Macbeth’s inner conflict based off of lines 131-141. What is now willing to do to keep himself alive? (cf. “We are yet but young in deed.”)

Act III Scene 5 (III.v)

1. Hecate (pronounced hekaty) is the chief goddess of magic and spells. This scene serves to summarize the conflict up to this point of the play. What exactly is she saying about Macbeth’s character and fate in these lines? (cf. lines 10-17 and lines 30-33).

Act III Scene 6 (III.vi)

1. Based off of what Lennox says in his opening speech, how do you think he views Macbeth? Identify the specific word he uses to describe Macbeth.

2. How does the Lord perceive Macduff, Duncan’s son?

3. Who is the “son of Duncan” who deserves the throne? Where is he, according to Lord?

4. Based off of this dialogue, what is to happen in the coming scenes? What does the Scottish nobleman, Macduff, plan to do with the help of the King of England?

Vocabulary: Please define the following list of words as written in your textbook on page 336.

Conflict

External conflict

Internal conflict

Dramatic Irony

Indissoluble

Dauntless

Jocund

Infirmity

Malaevolence