Macbeth Act 3 Notes
- 1. William Shakespeare’s Macbeth Notes Act III
- 2. Act 3 Scene 1 Summary Macbeth has now taken up residence at Forres. Banquo suspects Macbeth may have murdered Duncan, but he is tempted to remain silent in the hope that the prophecies will be fulfilled for him as they have been for Macbeth. Macbeth announces that a state banquet will be held that night. Banquo tells Macbeth that he will be out horse riding with Fleance until early evening, but he should return in time for the banquet. We learn that Macbeth backs security in kingship; he is now obsessed by the witches prophecies to Banquo. Two hired murderes enter and Macbeth convinces them that Banquo is their enemy and deserves to be killed. They agree to murder Banquo and Fleance. Character Descriptions Macbeth Important Lines Thou hast it now … To be thus is nothing …
- 3. Act 3 Scene 2 Summary Lady Macbeth expresses her unhappiness. Both she and Macbeth are suffering from troubled sleep, nightmares and loss of appetite. They are determined to hide their agitation and to welcoming and jovial at the banquet. Macbeth hints to Lady Macbeth that he has made plans for some significant action, but refuses to give her any details. Character Descriptions Macbeth Not comfortable (relaxed) being king. Does take control; not informing Lady Macbeth of his plans. Lady Macbeth: Also not content Important Lines Nought’s had, all’s spent We have scotch’d the snake Not killed it.
- 4. Act 3 Scene 3 Summary As they wait in the early evening for Banquo and Fleance to pass by, the two murderers are joined by a third. It appears he has been sent by Macbeth who no longer trusts anybody. When Banquo and Fleance arrive, carrying a torch, one murderer puts out the light and the other two stab Banquo. Fleance escapes. Important Lines O, treachery! Fly, good Fleance, fly, fly, fly! Thou mayst revenge. O slave!
- 5. Act 3 Scene 4 Summary The guests are welcomed to the banquet. Macbeth sees one of the murderers at the door. When he is informed of Fleance’s escape he is very upset but is called back by his wife to his duties as host. Banquo’s ghost enters and sits at the table. The guests, who do not see the ghost, are startled by Macbeth’s horrified reaction. Lady Macbeth tries to calm him down. When the ghost disappears, they blame his poor behaviour on poor health. The ghost reappears and Lafy Macbeth asks the guests to leave. AS Lady Macbeth tries to comfort her hsband, macbeth reveals hi is angry at Maduff and plans to visit the witches again. Character Descriptions Lady Macbeth This is the last time that she will take control in the play. Important Lines There the grown serpent lies … This is the very painting of your fear …
- 6. Act 3 Scene 5 Summary Hecate, a new witch, is upset because the other witches did not consult her before they spoke to Macbeth. She ensures the other witches that she will conjure up another spell that will lead Macbeth to a disatrous fate. They go to cast the spell. Theme Supernatural Character Descriptions Hecate New witch that seems more powerful than the other three.
- 7. Act 3 Scene 6 Summary Lennox says to a Lord that he feels it is a pity that Banquo was killed. He goes on to imply that Macbeth is responsible for both Duncan’s and Banquo’s deaths; even though the general consensus is that Fleance killed his own father, as did Malcolm and Donalbain. Lennox does not believe either had anything to do with the deaths of their fathers. Macbeth has stolen Malcolm’s birthright to be king and Malcolm is in England trying to secure an army to gain his birthright back. Macduff has gone to join in his effort. Lennox and the Lord hope that Malcolm will be successful in restoring peace to Scotland. Character Descriptions Lennox Able to read the truth in Macbeth. Good and noble man Lord New character, times are changing. Important Lines Thither Macduff is gone to pray the holy King upon his aid…