Act 3 Flashcards
In Act 3 Scene 1, what are two examples of flattery towards Banquo used by Macbeth?
“royalty of nature”
“he hath a wisdom “
In Act 3 Scene 1, why does Shakespeare used flattery to depict Banquo’s character?
context
In the true story of the soldier Macbeth, Banquo is thought to be an ancestor of King James I.
King James I commissioned the play.
If the King was not satisfied with the portrayal of his ancestors, it was plausible that Shakespeare may have been tortured, as physical punishment was common during the Jacobean era.
In Act 3 Scene 1, what quote shows Macbeth’s insecurity about the future of his reign?
“upon my head they placed a fruitless crown”
In Act 3 Scene 1, what quote by Macbeth shows that the next generation crown will not descend from him?
“unlineal hand”
In Act 3 Scene 1, 2 examples of Macbeth using interrogatives to find out Banquo’s whereabouts, foreshadowing he is planning his execution.
“is it far you ride?”
“goes Fleance with your”
In Act 3 Scene 1, a quote that shows Macbeth wants to rule for eternity, but in reality he just set up Banquo’s sons for a successful reign.
“eternal jewel”
eternal-forever, supernatural-influenced by witches and now in this transcendental world where he can live whatever reality he desires.
jewel-royalty, perfect and prosperous life
“the seed”
Macbeth has put in the labour (killing) for Banquo’s sons to rule
In Act 3 Scene 1, a quote where Macbeth says a man must take matters into his own hands (kill banquo).
“business in your bosoms”
In Act 3 Scene 1, a quote where Macbeth blatantly villainises Banquo and manipulates the guards into killing him.
“know Banquo was your enemy”
In Act 3 Scene 2, a quote where lady Macbeth talks pessimistically about all their efforts to become monarchs has been futile.
analysis
“nought’s had, all’s spent, where our desire is got without content”
they have gained nothing but lost everything: moral conscience, sanity, morality.
They have achieved their ambitions, yet it is not satisfactory.
In Act 3 Scene 2, finality motif used by Lady Macbeth. Macbeth should not dwell on the past.
“what’s done is done”
In Act 3 Scene 2, how does Lady Macbeth’s greeting to Macbeth signify her shift in character - matching a stereotypical subservient, comforting Jacobean woman?
“my lord!”
In Act 3 Scene 2, what does Macbeth say, that their obstacle (Malcom and Donalbain) are only injured, not killed.
“we have scotched the snake, not killed it”
“we have scotched the snake”
analysis
the snake symbolises Malcom and Donalbain.
Macbeth has not completely conquered his obstacle to the crown-Duncan’s sons are the rightful heirs.
OR
symbolises the threat to his reign as monarch.
snake - shed skin and regrow it back.
he has only partially conquered this threat, but it will repair itself and come back for revenge.
foreshadowing there will be mighty threat that will ultimately lead to his demise.
In Act 3 Scene 2, what quote shows Macbeth using the sleep motif?
analysis
“in the affliction of these terrible dreams that shake us nightly”
the insecurity and uncertainty of remaining king is causing insomnia.
In Act 3 Scene 2, Lady Macbeth tell Macbeth to keep up the facade of being oblivious and innocent in order to mask his true sinister ambitions. However this time she reminds him rather than ordering.
“be bright and jovial among your guests tonight”
