Download William Shakespeare`s Macbeth

William Shakespeare’s
Macbeth
Notes
Act III
Act 3 Scene 1

Summary
– Macbeth has now taken up
residence at Forres. Banquo
suspects Macbeth may have
murdered Duncan, but he is
tempted to remain silent in the
hope that the prophecies will be
fulfilled for him as they have been
for Macbeth.
– Macbeth announces that a state
banquet will be held that night.
Banquo tells Macbeth that he will
be out horse riding with Fleance
until early evening, but he should
return in time for the banquet.
– We learn that Macbeth backs
security in kingship; he is now
obsessed by the witches
prophecies to Banquo. Two hired
murderes enter and Macbeth
convinces them that Banquo is
their enemy and deserves to be
killed. They agree to murder
Banquo and Fleance.

Character Descriptions
–

Macbeth
Important Lines
–
–
Thou hast it now …
To be thus is nothing …
Act 3 Scene 2

Summary
– Lady Macbeth expresses her
unhappiness. Both she and
Macbeth are suffering from
troubled sleep, nightmares and
loss of appetite. They are
determined to hide their
agitation and to welcoming and
jovial at the banquet. Macbeth
hints to Lady Macbeth that he
has made plans for some
significant action, but refuses
to give her any details.

Character Descriptions
– Macbeth
 Not comfortable (relaxed) being
king.
 Does take control; not informing
Lady Macbeth of his plans.
– Lady Macbeth:
 Also not content

Important Lines
– Nought’s had, all’s spent
– We have scotch’d the snake
Not killed it.
Act 3 Scene 3

Summary
– As they wait in the early
evening for Banquo and
Fleance to pass by, the two
murderers are joined by a
third. It appears he has
been sent by Macbeth who
no longer trusts anybody.
When Banquo and Fleance
arrive, carrying a torch, one
murderer puts out the light
and the other two stab
Banquo.
– Fleance escapes.

Important Lines
– O, treachery! Fly, good
Fleance, fly, fly, fly! Thou
mayst revenge. O slave!
Act 3 Scene 4

Summary
– The guests are welcomed to the
 Character Descriptions
banquet. Macbeth sees one of the
– Lady Macbeth
murderers at the door. When he is
 This is the last time that she will take
informed of Fleance’s escape he is
control in the play.
very upset but is called back by his
wife to his duties as host.
– Banquo’s ghost enters and sits at
the table. The guests, who do not  Important Lines
see the ghost, are startled by
– There the grown serpent lies …
Macbeth’s horrified reaction.
– This is the very painting of your fear …
– Lady Macbeth tries to calm him
down.
– When the ghost disappears, they
blame his poor behaviour on poor
health. The ghost reappears and
Lafy Macbeth asks the guests to
leave.
– AS Lady Macbeth tries to comfort
her hsband, macbeth reveals hi is
angry at Maduff and plans to visit
the witches again.
Act 3 Scene 5

Summary
– Hecate, a new witch, is
upset because the other
witches did not consult
her before they spoke to
Macbeth. She ensures
the other witches that she
will conjure up another
spell that will lead
Macbeth to a disatrous
fate. They go to cast the
spell.

Theme
– Supernatural

Character Descriptions
– Hecate
 New witch that seems more
powerful than the other
three.

Summary
Act 3 Scene 6
– Lennox says to a Lord that he feels
it is a pity that Banquo was killed.
He goes on to imply that Macbeth is
responsible for both Duncan’s and
Banquo’s deaths; even though the
general consensus is that Fleance
killed his own father, as did Malcolm
and Donalbain.
– Lennox does not believe either had
anything to do with the deaths of
their fathers.
– Macbeth has stolen Malcolm’s
birthright to be king and Malcolm is
in England trying to secure an army
to gain his birthright back. Macduff
has gone to join in his effort.
– Lennox and the Lord hope that
Malcolm will be successful in
restoring peace to Scotland.

Character Descriptions
– Lennox
 Able to read the truth in Macbeth.
 Good and noble man
– Lord
 New character, times are
changing.

Important Lines
– Thither Macduff is gone to pray
the holy King upon his aid…