Act 3 - study guide

Please make sure that your groups address the answers to the following questions in your presentations starting on Monday...

Act 3, Sc i

1. What suspicion does Banquo reveal in his opening speech, beginning with "thou has it now: King, Cawdor, Glamis, all, /As the weird women promised"?
2. What does Macbeth request of Banquo and Fleance?
3. Why is Macbeth so interested in their riding plans?
4. In his soliloquy, Macbeth expounds upon his reasons for not being happy having attained his crown.  What is bothersome?
5. How does Macbeth convince the murderers to take care of Banquo and Fleance?
6. Fine the lines tht tell who will be killed, when it will be done and who will devise the plan

Act 3, sc ii

1. Note the lines that display Lady Macbeth's discontent.
2. Of what does Macbeth complain and how does his wife respond to "cheer him"? (lines 14-29)
3. Why is Duncan to be envied?
4. How do we know Lady Macbeth is kept from knowing the plot against Banquo and Fleance? (cite lines) What does this show about the Macbeths' marriage and how their roles have changed?

Act 3, sc iii

1. Who joins the two murderers? Where is the scene set and why?
2. Who first hears the approach of Banquo and Fleance?
3. What is the result of the ambush of Banquo and Fleance?

Act 3, sc iv

1. What information is shared with Macbeth by the first murderer?
2. What does Lady Macbeth remind Macbeth to do - as he once again becomes saddened? (li 33-38)
3. Who invites Macbeth to sit next to him at the banquet? Who, then, sits in Macbeth's place?
4. Who first mentions Banquo's absence?
5. Describe Macbeth's reaction to the visitor:
6. What does Lady Macbeth give an excuse for her husband's behavior?
7. Upon toasting the guests, Banquo's ghost reappears.  Paraphrase what Macbeth says to the ghost in lines 99-107.
8. How does Lady Macbeth once again distract teh company from hearing anything further?
9. What nobleman is missing from the feast?
10. To whom does Macbeth plan to go for advice?
11. What does Lady Macbeth believe her husband needs first?
12. What is meant by "... we are young yet in our deeds."

Act 3, sc v

1. Why is Hecate angry at the three witches?

Act 3, sc vi

1. Where has Macduff gone? According to the Lord conversing with Lennox, who is there as well? What are they planning?
2. Was the third murderer Macbeth? Take a stand and use the lines of the play and action to prove your opinions.  No right or wrong answer.