| Macbeth Act III Questions 1. Up to this point in the play, Banquo has been a man of the utmost integrity. In the light of his soliloquy at the opening of Act III, would you say there is evidence of change, or does he seem to continue in his original role? Support and explain your answer. 2. What intention with regard to Banquo seems to be implied in Macbeth�s soliloquy? (Scene 1, lines 52-76) What are the specific reasons Macbeth offers for this intention? 3. How are these intentions confirmed in the conversation with the murderers in Scene I? What specifically is the plan Macbeth has devised? 4. In Scenes 1 and 2 we discern significant changes in Macbeth�s character and in his relationship with Lady Macbeth. What evidence of these changes do you see in each of the following instances? a. The decision Macbeth has come to about Banquo. b. Lady Macbeth�s disturbed question to Macbeth, �Why do you keep alone, / Of sorriest fancies your companions making?� c. The manner in which Macbeth speaks to Lady Macbeth about Banquo. (Scene 2, lines 32-61) 5. Compare Lady Macbeth�s secret thoughts when she is alone (Scene 2, lines 6-9) with her remarks that immediately follow when Macbeth enters (lines 10-14). What do these two passages reveal about Lady Macbeth�s actual state of mind now that she is queen, and the role she feels she must play in her relationship to her husband? Note also in this connection her further statements in the same scene. 6. Earlier in the play, Macbeth made two significant prophecies of a nightmare future for himself: (1) �Macbeth shall sleep no more.� (Act II, Scene 2, line 52) (2) ��this my hand will rather The multitudinous seas incarnadine, Making the green one red.� (Act II, Scene 2, lines 73-75) Find specific passages in Scenes 1 and 2 of Act III which show that these prophecies are being borne out even though his ambition seems to have been achieved. Relate each passage specifically to either of these prophecies. 7. In Scene 3, the plan of Macbeth is carried out by the murderers. In what respect is it unsuccessful? ACT III, Scenes 4 to 6 1. The stage directions for this "banquet" scene are rather sparse. Keeping in mind that this banquet is probably Macbeth's first state celebration of his coming to power, what details of costume, stage setting, and lighting would you provide for if you were producing this scene in the theater? 2. What action would take place of the stage from the time the scene opens to the time that Lennox says, "May 't please your highness sit"? (Scene 4, line 46) 3. What is Macbeth's reaction to the news he receives from the murderer? 4. From the dialogue, try to visualize the action on stage from the point where Macbeth first sees the ghost of Nabquo to the reappearance of the ghost. (lines 57-109) Explain the actions and behavior of Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, and the guests. 5. Try to visualize the stage action that occurs after the ghost reappears (line 109), explaining again the actions and behavior of Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, and the guests. What is the probable effect of Macbeth's behavior on the assembled guests? 6. Which qualities of Macbeth's character already manifested earlier in the play are revealed again in the banquet scene? 7. What qualities of character does Lady Macbeth evidence in this scene? Comment on the probable inner effects of the role she must play. 8. Macbeth's dialogue with Lady Macbeth when they are alone after the guests have left reveals him further caught up in the nightmare world he has created. In this connection, explain the significance of each of the following passages: a. The speech beginning, "It will have blood...." (Scene 4, lines 144-148) b. Macbeth's remarks about Macduff. (lines 150-155) c. The lines beginning, "I will tomorrow / And betimes I will, to the weird sisters." (lines 155-163) d. Macbeth's last words in the scene, beginning, "My strange and self-abuse." (lines 165-167) 9. How do you account for the fact that Lady Macbeth seems to have so little to say in the dialogue with Macbeth after the departure of the guests? 10. Does Lennox's first speech in Scene 6 show him to be a supporter of Macbeth, or hostile to him? Support your answer by specific references to the content of the speech. 11. What appears to be the attitude toward Macbeth of the lord with whom Lennox speaks in Scene 6? 12. In general, what do we learn from the dialogue between Lennox and the lord in Scene 6? |