Download Act III Fears and Imaginings

English 9
Mrs. Sharp
name:
period:
Macbeth: Act III, Scene 1
Fears and Imaginings
BANQUO:
[talking about Macbeth]:
Thou hast it now: King, Cawdor, Glamis, all
As they weird women promised, and I fear
Thou played’st most foully for’t. Yet it was said
It should not stand in thy posterity,
But that myself should be the root and father
Of many kings.
BANQUO:
If there come truth from them –
As upon thee, Macbeth, their speeches shine –
Why, by the verities on thee made good,
May they not be my oracles as well,
And set me up in hope? But hush, no more.
MACBETH:
MACBETH:
[talking about Banquo]:
Our fears in Banquo stick deep,
And in his royalty of nature reigned that
Which would be feared. There is none but he
Whose being I do fear. He chid the sisters
When first they put the name of king upon me,
And bade them speak to him:
then prophet-like
They hailed him father to a line of kings;
Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown,
And put a barren scepter in my grip,
No son of mine succeeding.
Things to Consider:
 What words tell us how Banquo and Macbeth are each feeling?
 What is each character worried about?
 What does each character think might happen next?
 Does each character trust the other? Should he?
M11
English 9
Mrs. Sharp
name:
period:
Macbeth: Act III, Scene 1
Fears and Imaginings
Consider the following based on the interpretations of the scene and characters you saw in class today:
 What images are going through the character’s head as he is speaking these lines? Do the images
include the witches? Duncan? Lady Macbeth? Fleance?
 What are the three most important words in the section? How could these words be visually
represented and emphasized?
 Can Macbeth trust Banquo? What would Macbeth have to do to keep his secret safe? Will it be an
easy decision for him?
Create a drawing that represents the relationship between Macbeth and Banquo at this stage of the play.
Include both characters in your drawing, and be sure to illustrate how they act/behave toward one another
when they are face to face, as well as how they secretly think/feel about one another. Include word and/or
thought bubbles to indicate what they say to one another (or about one another) as well as what they’re
thinking. You should use some of Shakespeare’s language in your word/thought bubbles, but you may also
use your own words. Your illustration should fill the page and be an example of neat and colorful work.
M11