Act 3 Macbeth Flashcards
(19 cards)
Scene 1 summary
Banquo, although suspecting that Macbeth’s new crown as king was acquired through foul play, can’t help but be excited by the witches prophecy for him and his children. Macbeth enters in and asks Banquo what his plans are for today, not because he cares, but because he wants to know exactly where he is and when. Banquo says he will be going horseback riding with Fleance and Macbeth reminds him to be back for the big feast that night. Alone, Macbeth is reminded of the threat Banquo’s family holds to him. He later meets up with two murderers whom he convinces that Banquo is the reason they are poor and miserable, and they agree to kill him.
Scene 2 summary
Lady Macbeth is told by a servant that Banquo has left for his ride with Fleance. Alone, she admits that she Has not achieved the happiness or peace of mind she hoped to have after gaining the throne. She says that they have given everything, but gained nothing. Macbeth enters and admits that he too is being tortured with fear of Banquo. The two decide that they must put on happy, innocent faces for the feast later that evening. Macbeth hints to Lady Macbeth that he has an evil deed up his sleeve, but refuses to tell her exactly what it is so that she cannot get involved or be pinned for the murder.
Scene 3 summary
Macbeth sends a third murder to help the other two fulfill their plan. At first, the two are skeptical, but after hearing that he knows the full plan in detail, they trust that Macbeth had his reasons. The three ambush and murder Banquo, but fail to kill Fleance and he escapes.
Scene 4 summary
The feast is going well when one of the murderers informs Macbeth of what happened. He is delighted to hear the news of Banquo’s death, but is panicked when he hears that Fleance escaped. When Macbeth rejoins the party, he loses all composure and begins seeing a vision of Banquo’s ghost. Macbeth has a freakout in front of all his guests. Lady Macbeth tries humiliating him into being composed, but cannot, telling the guests to leave and excusing his actions by saying that these things happen frequently and they have since he was a child. Macbeth announces that he will find and speak with the witches as soon as possible to get more information about his fate.
Scene 5 summary
Hecate, queen of the witches, scolded the weird sisters for approaching Macbeth without her. She feels left out and angry. Hecate accuses Macbeth of using them for their powers and being selfish. She instructs them on how to deal with Macbeth when he next calls (using all their spells and charms) and she will plan his dismay. SHe wants to destroy Macbeth by using his overconfident nature against him.
Scene 6 summary
With unrestrained sarcasm, Lennox and another Lord discuss the recent events in Scotland, and how everyone around Macbeth mysteriously get murdered. They are convinced that Macbeth is responsible for the death of Duncan and Banquo. They are glad that Malcolm and Donalbain are out of his reach. Macduff has fled Scotland to England in order to team up with Malcolm and muster a military force to rid Scotland of Macbeth’s tyranny.
Quote - They hailed him father to a line of kings. Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown.
Macbeth
Scene 1
The witches said that Banquo will be the father to many wealthy kings, but my family will not be royalty in this way, I will have nothing.
Quote - Noughts all had, all’s spent where our desire is got without content.
Lady Macbeth
Scene 2
Nothing has been gained, but all has been lost. We are not completely satisfied with the result of our actions - the thrown is not guaranteed because Banquo still lives.
Quote - Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck, till thou applaud the deed.
Macbeth
Scene 2
It is better that you don’t know what I have in store, that way you can not interfere and it cannot be pinned on you. You will find out after it happens and will be joyed.
Quote - There’s but one down, the son is fled.
Third Murderer
Scene 3
One has been killed (Banquo) but the son has escaped.
Quote - My lord is often thus, and hath been from his youth.
Lady Macbeth
Scene 4
After Macbeth’s episode, she is trying to cover for him, saying that this happens to Macbeth frequently, it is normal and has happened since he was just a kid, don’t mind him.
Quote - I am in blood stepped in so far, that should I wade no more, returning were as tedious as go o’er.
Macbeth
Scene 4
I am so far into this river of blood, that if I were to start going back now, it would be as far a journey back as it would be to continue going forward, so I may as well keep pushing forwards.
Quote - some holy angel, fly to the court of England and unfold his message ere he come, that a swift blessing may soon return to this our suffering country.
Lennox
Scene 6
Get Macduff back here to bring peace back to Scotland and our lives as well as t get rid of the tyrant, Macbeth.
What are Banquo’s feelings about the prophecies? What does this reveal about him?
He is suspicious about how Macbeth got all three so quickly and thinks that he manipulated it somehow. This shows that Banquo is smart and does not trust most people, willing to even accuse a close friend of foul play in order to not betray his morals.
How does Macbeth prove to be crafty when it comes to planning the murder?
Saying basically like “I am the king and it is in your best interest to kill Banquo and have me on your side.” He found desperate guys who were willing to give up anything for either revenge or to die. He gave them motivation.
What two reasons does Macbeth have for fearing Banquo?
His sons will be king.
Banquo knows the prophecies and could potentially get suspicious and tell others.
Macbeth hesitated to murder Duncan, but not his close friend, why?
He now has more on the line to protect. He also is getting more used to it - scary at first but now he has a taste of it.
What are some lines that show how Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are tormented even though they have attained their ambitions.
Both scared of getting caught. They both talk about how they have done and lost everything but gained nothing and that it is better to be the murdered than the murderer.
Explain the phrase: But let the frame of things disjoint, both the worlds suffer.ws
We haven’t achieved our goals, we are still in danger, and I am suffering just as much as Duncan.
