| What feeling does Banquo express about the witches’ prophecies at the beginning of Act III? | A hope that they’ll prove true for him as they have for Macbeth |
| Why does Macbeth not consult Lady Macbeth about the plot to kill Banquo? | He is now more decisive on his own |
| How is Macbeth’s murder plot in Scene 1 different from his plot against Duncan? | Macbeth doesn’t take an active part, and he doesn’t consult Lady Macbeth |
| What does the difference in plotting Banquo’s murder as opposed to Duncan’s tell us? | Macbeth is deteriorating morally |
| How do Macbeth’s statements and behavior suggest that he is feeling? | Uneasy and fearful |
| When the murderers prepare to kill Banquo, what happens? | A third murderer joins them at the scene |
| What is Shakespeare’s purpose in creating a third murderer and keeping his identity secret? | The secret identity reinforces that Macbeth has spies everywhere and no longer trusts anyone |
| Who manages to escape Macbeth’s plot? | Fleance, Banquo’s son |
| What is a dramatic foil? | A minor character whose attitudes, beliefs, and behavior differ significantly from those of a main character, highlighting flaws or suggesting what the main character might have been like |
| What complications might the character who manages to escape the murderers cause for Macbeth in the future? | The son of Banquo escaping means that his descendants still threaten Macbeth’s crown |
| How would one describe Macbeth’s behavior during the feast in Scene 4 of Act III? | He makes comments that appear irrational, and speaks to a ghost that only he can see |
| How does Lady Macbeth respond to Macbeth’s claim of seeing the ghost of Banquo at the banquet? | With scorn |
| What does Lady Macbeth want the guests at their banquet think is amiss with Macbeth? | Lady Macbeth wants her guests to think Macbeth’s behavior is the result of a recurring illness |
| How might Macbeth’s actions during the feast affect the opinion of his guests? | They probably fear for his mental health, and might question his ability to rule–or his innocence |
| Was Scene 5 of Act III written by Shakespeare? | Many critics think not, and some think it takes away from the dramatic tension of the play–but no one knows for sure if either is true |
| What does Lennox’s sarcastic tone in Scene 6 (lines 1-24) suggest about Macbeth’s future as a king? | That opposition to Macbeth is growing |
| Is Lennox’s sarcastic tone in Scene 6 realistic? | Yes and no–Macbeth acted rather bizarrely at the feast, but this speech makes light of a grave situation |
| What does Macbeth do when he learns of Macduff’s mission to England? | He plans to visit the witches again, and implies that he will commit more murders |
Macbeth: Study Guide Questions, Act III
September 2, 2019