Macbeth-+Act+3+Questions+and+topics


 * Macbeth Study Questions **


 * ACT- THREE SUMMARY: **


 * Act III**


 * Macbeth plans to overturn the witches' prophecy that Banquo's sons will become kings by sending two murders to kill both Banquo and his son, Fleance. (i.) Macbeth no longer needs Lady Macbeth's involvement and bids her be "innocent of the knowledge" of his decisions. (ii.) A third murderer, obviously not known by the other two, joins them, and although Banquo is slain, Fleance escapes. (iii.)**


 * At the banquet, Macbeth is terrified by the bloody ghost of Banquo. Since no one else sees the apparition, Lady Macbeth attempts to excuse his behavior and eventually has to end the banquet. Macbeth determines to visit the witches again. (iv.)**


 * Suspicion of Macbeth is mounting, and Macduff joins Malcolm in England. (vi.)**

Scene One


 * Act Three begins with a soliloquy by Banquo. **


 * 1) In what ways does this speech show that Banquo is **


 * a threat to Macbeth? **


 * Read Macbeth's soliloquy : **


 * "To be thus is nothing, but to be safely thus-" **


 * 2) Paraphrase the soliloquy. **


 * 3) What assumptions underlie Macbeth's fears? **


 * 4) Given Banquo's earlier soliloquy, to what extent do you feel his fears are justified? **


 * 5) Why is it interesting that Macbeth employs professional cut-throats to kill Banquo? **

**Scene Two **
 * 6) In what ways do each of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth show that the crown has not brought peace of mind? **


 * 7) In what ways has Macbeth changed since the murder? **


 * 8) In many ways the roles of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth **


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">have been reversed. Show how their relationship has altered. Pay particular attention to the way the "fair is **


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">foul " theme is used to emphasize this change. **

**<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Scene Four **


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">This is the scene in which Banquo's ghost appears. **


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">9) In many of his plays Shakespeare uses ghosts. However, usually the ghost is seen by a number of characters. **


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">10) What does the fact that only Macbeth can see this ghost suggest about the nature of the ghost? **


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">11) How does Lady Macbeth respond to his "fit" ? **


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">12) Once again there is a shift in their relationship. Explain **


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">this shift. **


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">13) Once Banquo's ghost has finally gone, Macbeth appears to be more settled. Why do you think this is so? **


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">14) Why do you think Macbeth decides to visit the witches again? **


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Examine the following lines: **


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">For my own good **


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">All causes shall give way. I am in blood **


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Stepped so far that, should I wade no more, **


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Returning were as tedious as go o'er. **


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Strange things I have in head that will to hand **


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Which must be acted ere they may be scanned. **
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">15) Explain what Macbeth means here. **

**<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Scene Five **


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Read Hecate's speech closely. She is the Queen of witches. **


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">16) What does she suggest about the witches' plans for Macbeth? **

17) **<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">In many productions of the play, this scene is left out. **


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">What effect does leaving the scene out have on our understanding of the role of the witches in determining Macbeth's actions? **

**<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Scene Six **


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Scene six provides us with an insight into Macbeth's reign and the way in which he is viewed by the Thanes. **


 * <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">18) Briefly describe these views. **