Download Macbeth Act III

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Review and Anticipate
In Act II, Lady Macbeth drugs
Duncan’s guards, enabling Macbeth to kill the king. Macbeth then kills the
guards, too, so that he can more easily blame them for the king’s murder.
Duncan’s sons, Malcolm and Donalbain, flee, afraid that they will be assassinated by a kinsman eager to claim the throne. Because they run away,
some suspect them of killing their father. As the act closes, it seems that
Macbeth will be named king.
Act III begins with Macbeth on the throne—as the witches had predicted.
All seems to be going well for him, but he feels threatened by Banquo.
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Critical Viewing
Scene i. Forres. The palace.
After wielding a dagger
like this against Duncan,
can Macbeth expect to
rule in peace? Explain.
[Predict]
[Enter BANQUO.]
BANQUO.
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3
10
Thou hast it now: King, Cawdor, Glamis, all,
As the weird women promised, and I fear
Thou play’dst most foully for ’t. Yet it was said
It should not stand1 in thy posterity,
But that myself should be the root and father
Of many kings. 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!
2. Sennet trumpet call.
If he had been forgotten,
It had been as a gap in our great feast,
And all-thing3 unbecoming.
Tonight we hold a
And I’ll request your presence.
3. all-thing altogether.
supper, sir,
4. solemn ceremonious.
5. grave and prosperous
weighty and profitable.
15 BANQUO.
Let your Highness
Command upon me, to the which my duties
Are with a most indissoluble tie
For ever knit.
MACBETH.
BANQUO.
20 MACBETH.
Vocabulary Builder
indissoluble (in« di säl« yØ
bßl) adj. not able to be
dissolved or undone
Ride you this afternoon?
Ay, my good lord.
We should have else desired your good advice
(Which still hath been both grave and prosperous5)
Critical Viewing
Possible response: Macbeth has
begun his reign in blood and violence; he cannot expect to rule in
peace.
Reading Strategy
Reading Between the Lines
LADY MACBETH.
MACBETH.
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3
Here’s our chief guest.
solemn4
Act III marks a turning point in the
action. Up until now, things have
gone very much the way Macbeth
had planned. However, his sense of
insecurity leads him to fear Banquo
and his offspring. When his plan to
murder Banquo and his son is only
partially successful, a series of events
is set in motion, leading to Macbeth’s
downfall.
1. stand continue.
[Sennet2 sounded. Enter MACBETH as King, LADY MACBETH,
LENNOX, ROSS, LORDS, and ATTENDANTS.]
MACBETH.
About the Selection
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What does Banquo
suspect about Macbeth?
Macbeth, Act III, Scene i ■ 343
• Direct students’ attention to
lines 1–10. Ask them to consider
Banquo’s speech and to discuss
what threat Banquo poses to
Macbeth. Why might Banquo have
kept the information about the
witches to himself?
Possible responses: Banquo
poses a threat because if he tells
what he knows, he might cast suspicion on Macbeth. He may have
kept the information to himself to
use to his advantage, or he may
have been afraid that telling others
might implicate him in the murder.
After all, he was promised that his
descendants would be kings.
• In the lines that follow, Macbeth
is cordial and invites Banquo to a
feast. Banquo, in turn, pledges loyalty. Ask students if they think
either is sincere.
• In lines 18 and following, Macbeth
questions Banquo about his afternoon ride, when and where he is
going. Ask students why they
think Macbeth might want to know
this.
Answer: Macbeth is worried about
Banquo and wants to keep an eye
on him. Some students may even
suspect additional foul play.
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Reading Check
Answer: Banquo suspects that
Macbeth was involved in foul play
to bring about what the witches
prophesied.
343
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Critical Thinking
In this day’s council; but we’ll take tomorrow.
Is’t far you ride?
Interpret
• Have students look at lines 29–32.
BANQUO.
• Remind students that the term
cousin in the Elizabethan period
meant kinsman, not necessarily an
actual cousin.
• Then, ask them who are the
“bloody cousins” referred to by
Macbeth. What do we learn about
these “cousins”?
Answer: Duncan’s sons are the
“bloody cousins,” because they are
rumored to have plotted their
father’s murder. We learn that they
have reached England and Ireland
and are telling “lies”—which, coming from the actual murderer,
Macbeth, means they are probably
telling the truth.
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25
MACBETH.
BANQUO.
6. Go not . . . better unless
my horse goes faster than I
expect.
Fail not our feast.
My lord, I will not.
MACBETH.
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5
35
We hear our bloody cousins are bestowed
In England and in Ireland, not confessing
Their cruel parricide, filling their hearers
With strange invention.7 But of that tomorrow,
When therewithal we shall have cause of state
Craving us jointly.8 Hie you to horse. Adieu,
Till you return at night. Goes Fleance with you?
BANQUO.
7. invention lies.
8. cause . . . jointly matters
of state demanding our joint
attention.
Ay, my good lord: our time does call upon ’s.
MACBETH.
Critical Thinking
40
Analyze
• Review what the witches promised
Macbeth and Banquo when they
visited them in Act I.
I wish your horses swift and sure of foot,
And so I do commend you to their backs.
Farewell.
[Exit BANQUO.]
Let every man be master of his time
Till seven at night. To make society
The sweeter welcome, we will keep ourself
Till suppertime alone. While9 then, God be with you!
9. While until.
[Exit LORDS and all but MACBETH and a SERVANT.]
Sirrah,10
Answer: They promised that
Macbeth would be king, and
that Banquo’s heirs will be kings.
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a word with you: attend those men
Our pleasure?
ATTENDANT.
• Have students divide the soliloquy
into two parts and describe the
topics of each of the two parts.
Answer: The first part of the soliloquy runs from lines 49 to 57. It
reveals that Macbeth fears Banquo.
The second part runs from the
middle of line 57 through line 72.
In this part, Macbeth reveals his
resentment of the prophecy that
Banquo’s descendants, not his
own, will sit on the throne in the
future.
As far, my lord, as will fill up the time
’Twixt this and supper. Go not my horse the better,6
I must become a borrower of the night
For a dark hour or twain.
10. Sirrah common address
to an inferior.
They are, my lord, without the palace gate.
MACBETH.
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6
55
60
Bring them before us.
[Exit SERVANT.]
To be thus11 is nothing, but12 to be safely thus—
Our fears in Banquo stick deep,
And in his royalty of nature reigns that
Which would be feared. ’Tis much he dares;
And, to13 that dauntless temper of his mind,
He hath a wisdom that doth guide his valor
To act in safety. There is none but he
Whose being I do fear: and under him
My genius is rebuked,14 as it is said
Mark Antony’s was by Caesar. He chid15 the sisters,
When first they put the name of King upon me,
And bade them speak to him; then prophetlike
They hailed him father to a line of kings.
Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown
And put a barren scepter in my gripe,16
11. thus king.
12. but unless.
Vocabulary Builder
dauntless (dônt« lis) adj.
fearless; cannot be
intimidated
13. to added to.
14. genius is rebuked
guardian spirit is cowed.
15. chid scolded.
16. gripe grip.
344 ■ Celebrating Humanity (1485–1625)
Plutarch
Though he was also a mathematician, philosopher, world traveler, politician, educator, and
priest of the Delphic oracle, the reputation of
the Greek essayist and biographer, Plutarch
(A.D. 46–c. 119) rested on his writing. Of all his
works, the most important is Parallel Lives. This
collection contains biographies of every important soldier, leader, and orator of ancient Rome
and Greece.
Plutarch’s Lives was translated into English in
the 16th century. It became the story source for
Shakespeare’s Roman history plays but also
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influenced the development of his concept of
the tragic hero.
While the mention of Mark Antony and
Caesar in Scene i, line 57, clearly connects with
Plutarch’s reports of their lives, there are other
elements that Plutarch contributed to Macbeth.
In his Life of Caesar, he reports of strange phenomena at Caesar’s death (such as “noises
heard in the night”), prophecies and omens,
and Caesar’s ghost appearing to his murderers
(which also occurs in Shakespeare’s Julius
Caesar).
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17. filed defiled.
18. eternal jewel soul.
19. common . . . man the
Devil.
20. champion me to th’
utterance Fight against me
to the death.
[Enter SERVANT and TWO MURDERERS.]
Now go to the door, and stay there till we call.
[Exit SERVANT.]
21. held . . . fortune kept
you from good fortune.
Was it not yesterday we spoke together?
MURDERERS.
22. passed in probation
reviewed the proofs.
It was, so please your Highness.
75 MACBETH.
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80
Well then, now
Have you considered of my speeches? Know
That it was he in the times past, which held you
So under fortune,21 which you thought had been
Our innocent self: this I made good to you
In our last conference; passed in probation22 with you,
How you were born in hand,23 how crossed, the instruments,
Who wrought with them, and all things else that might
To half a soul24 and to a notion25 crazed
Say “Thus did Banquo.”
FIRST MURDERER.
23. born in hand deceived.
24. half a soul halfwit.
FIRST MURDERER.
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Reading Strategy
Reading Between the
Lines What does the first
murderer mean in line 91
when he answers Macbeth,
“We are men”?
We are men, my liege.
Ay, in the catalogue ye go for27 men;
As hounds and greyhounds, mongrels, spaniels, curs,
Shoughs, water-rugs28 and demi-wolves, are clept29
All by the name of dogs: the valued file30
Distinguishes the swift, the slow, the subtle,
The housekeeper, the hunter, every one
According to the gift which bounteous nature
Hath in him closed,31 whereby he does receive
Particular addition,32 from the bill
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100
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Reading Strategy
• Ask students to think about the
comment made by the first murderer in line 91.
29. clept called.
30. valued file classification
by valuable traits.
MACBETH.
• Ask students why he might have
told them this.
Answer: He wanted to give them
a reason to murder Banquo, to
motivate them in a way that would
make them feel that they would be
solving a problem of their own.
26. gospeled ready to
forgive.
28. Shoughs (shuks),
water-rugs shaggy dogs,
long-haired dogs.
I did so; and went further, which is now
Our point of second meeting. Do you find
Your patience so predominant in your nature,
That you can let this go? Are you so gospeled,26
To pray for this good man and for his issue,
Whose heavy hand hath bowed you to the grave
And beggared yours for ever?
• Ask students what they can infer
about what Macbeth has told these
men.
Answer: He appears to have told
them that whatever miseries they
have suffered can be blamed on
Banquo.
Reading Between the Lines
27. go for pass as.
You made it known to us.
• Direct students’ attention to
Macbeth’s speech in lines 75–84.
25. notion mind.
85 MACBETH.
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Critical Thinking
Infer
Thence to be wrenched with an unlineal hand,
No son of mine succeeding. If ’t be so,
For Banquo’s issue have I filed17 my mind;
For them the gracious Duncan have I murdered;
Put rancors in the vessel of my peace
Only for them, and mine eternal jewel18
Given to the common enemy of man,19
To make them kings, the seeds of Banquo kings!
Rather than so, come, fate, into the list,
And champion me to th’ utterance!20 Who’s there?
31. closed enclosed.
32. addition distinction (to
set it apart from other dogs).
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Why does Macbeth fear
Banquo?
Macbeth, Act III, Scene i ■ 345
Support for
Less Proficient Readers
Vocabulary for
English Learners
Strategy for
Advanced Readers
Help students “read between
the lines.” Read Banquo’s
speech as a group. You might
add items to Step 2: meeting
the witches, the predictions,
Duncan’s murder, Macbeth’s
being made king. When you
finish, analyze one of
Macbeth’s speeches on the
facing page.
Make certain students understand the definitions given in
the side notes. For example,
on the facing page, the definition of dauntless includes the
words fearless and intimidated,
both of which might be new
to English learners. Pronounce
the words, and make certain
students understand them in
the story’s context.
Allow students to read Act III
independently. Have them
note lines or speeches that are
clues about what is going to
happen. Then, have them note
where in the play their suspicions are confirmed. Suggest
that they also note events that
remind them of clues they
didn’t previously write down,
even from other acts.
• Have students reread Lady
Macbeth’s views on manhood
in Act I, Scene vii, lines 49–54
(p. 316).
• Then, ask students the Reading
Strategy question: What does the
first murderer mean in line 91
when he answers Macbeth, “We
are men”?
Answer: The murderer means that
they, as men, would not let such an
outrage go unpunished, which
echoes Lady Macbeth’s earlier
views that it is manly to kill someone who stands in your way.
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Reading Check
Answer: Macbeth fears Banquo
because Banquo knows about the
prophecies and might be suspicious.
Also, if Banquo’s descendants will be
kings, Macbeth will have no heir on
the throne. Both things are a threat
to Macbeth.
345
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Literary Analysis
Conflict
Reteach: Review with students
their understanding of internal and
external conflicts. Reread the definition of conflict on p. 342. Explain
to students that a conflict can have
both internal and external dimensions at the same time.
105
33. file ranks.
34. wear . . . life are sick as
long as he lives.
SECOND MURDERER.
Monitor Progress: Ask students
the Literary Analysis question: What
conflict does Macbeth express in
lines 116–126?
Answer: The external conflicts are
between Macbeth and Banquo and
between Macbeth and public opinion. An internal conflict, though
not directly stated, may be identified as existing between Macbeth
and his fear.
• Ask students if they believe the
reasons Macbeth gives for not
killing Banquo himself. What reasons might he really have for not
wanting to kill Banquo himself?
Possible responses: Macbeth’s
reasons are partially true, because
he would lose friends and allies.
However, his having the power is
doubtful, because none of the
things Macbeth has said about
Banquo are true. His real reason is
that he wants to look innocent of
the murder. He also may be concerned about getting injured if he
attacks Banquo alone.
That writes them all alike: and so of men.
Now if you have a station in the file,33
Not i’ th’ worst rank of manhood, say ’t,
And I will put that business in your bosoms
Whose execution takes your enemy off,
Grapples you to the heart and love of us,
Who wear our health but sickly in his life,34
Which in his death were perfect.
110
I am one, my liege,
Whom the vile blows and buffets of the world
Hath so incensed that I am reckless what
I do to spite the world.
FIRST MURDERER.
And I another
So weary with disasters, tugged with fortune,
That I would set35 my life on any chance,
To mend it or be rid on ’t.
35. set risk.
MACBETH.
Both of you
Know Banquo was your enemy.
115 BOTH MURDERERS.
True, my lord.
So is he mine, and in such bloody distance36
That every minute of his being thrusts
Against my near’st of life:37 and though I could
With barefaced power sweep him from my sight
And bid my will avouch38 it, yet I must not,
For certain friends that are both his and mine,
Whose loves I may not drop, but wail his fall39
Who I myself struck down: and thence it is
That I to your assistance do make love,
Masking the business from the common eye
For sundry weighty reasons.
MACBETH.
10
120
125
SECOND MURDERER.
We shall, my lord,
Perform what you command us.
FIRST MURDERER.
36. distance disagreement.
37. near’st of life most vital
parts.
38. avouch justify.
39. wail his fall (I must)
bewail his death.
Literary Analysis
Conflict What conflict
does Macbeth express in
lines 116–126?
Though our lives—
MACBETH.
11
Critical Thinking
Analyze
130
• Direct students’ attention to
lines 134–139.
• Point out that in this passage,
Macbeth refers to Banquo’s son,
Fleance, almost as if he were an
afterthought. Ask students how
important Fleance’s death is to
Macbeth and why.
Answer: Fleance’s death is very
important. The witches said that
Banquo would father kings. While
Banquo’s death is necessary to
make Macbeth feel safe, Fleance’s
death is necessary if Macbeth
wants to have his own sons inherit
the throne.
• Ask students in which speech
Macbeth expressed his reasons for
wishing to end Banquo’s line.
Answer: lines 57–72 of this scene.
346
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135
Your spirits shine through you. Within this hour at most
I will advise you where to plant yourselves,
Acquaint you with the perfect spy o’ th’ time,
The moment on ’t;40 for ’t must be done tonight,
And something41 from the palace; always thought42
That I require a clearness:43 and with him—
To leave no rubs44 nor botches in the work—
Fleance his son, that keeps him company,
Whose absence is no less material to me
Than is his father’s, must embrace the fate
346 ■ Celebrating Humanity (1485–1625)
40. the perfect . . . on’t exact
information of the exact time.
41. something some
distance.
42. thought remembered.
43. clearness freedom from
suspicion.
44. rubs flaws.
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Of that dark hour. Resolve yourselves
I’ll come to you anon.
MURDERERS.
apart:45
45. Resolve yourselves
apart Make your own
decision.
We are resolved, my lord.
I’ll call upon you straight.46 Abide within.
It is concluded: Banquo, thy soul’s flight,
If it find heaven, must find it out tonight.
140 MACBETH.
46. straight immediately.
[Exit.]
Scene ii. The palace.
[Enter MACBETH’S LADY and a SERVANT.]
LADY MACBETH.
SERVANT.
LADY MACBETH.
Say to the King, I would attend his leisure
For a few words.
Madam, I will.
[Exit.]
Reading Strategy
LADY MACBETH.
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Nought’s had, all’s spent,
Where our desire is got without content:
’Tis safer to be that which we destroy
Than by destruction dwell in doubtful joy.
Reading Between
the Lines In Scene ii,
lines 4–7, what has Lady
Macbeth realized about
her actions?
[Enter MACBETH.]
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How now, my lord! Why do you keep alone,
Of sorriest fancies your companions making,
Using those thoughts which should indeed have died
With them they think on? Things without all remedy
Should be without regard: what’s done is done.
We have scotched1 the snake, not killed it:
She’ll close2 and be herself, whilst our poor malice
Remains in danger of her former tooth.3
But let the frame of things disjoint,4 both the worlds5 suffer,
Ere we will eat our meal in fear, and sleep
In the affliction of these terrible dreams
That shake us nightly: better be with the dead,
Whom we, to gain our peace, have sent to peace,
Than on the torture of the mind to lie
In restless ecstasy.6 Duncan is in his grave;
After life’s fitful fever he sleeps well.
Treason has done his worst: nor steel, nor poison,
Malice domestic, foreign levy,7 nothing,
Can touch him further.
MACBETH.
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Come on.
Gentle my lord, sleek o’er your rugged looks;
Be bright and jovial among your guests tonight.
1. scotched wounded.
2. close heal.
3. in . . . tooth in as much
danger as before.
4. frame of things disjoint
universe collapse.
5. both the worlds heaven
and earth.
6. ecstasy frenzy.
7. Malice . . . levy civil and
foreign war.
LADY MACBETH.
MACBETH.
So shall I, love; and so, I pray, be you:
• Ask students the Reading Strategy
question: In Scene ii, lines 4–7,
what has Lady Macbeth realized
about her actions?
Answer: Lady Macbeth is realizing
that they have paid a very high
price for desires that have left them
discontented and worried.
• Point out that her feelings reflect
something of the uncertainty that
Macbeth is feeling, but with a difference. She is beginning to sound
doubtful about their actions.
Is Banquo gone from court?
Ay, madam, but returns again tonight.
SERVANT.
Reading Strategy
Reading Between the Lines
14
What does Macbeth ask
the murderers to do?
Macbeth, Act III, Scene ii ■ 347
Strategy for Special Needs Students
Strategy for Gifted/Talented Students
To help students visualize the building conflict
in the play, list the main characters on the
board. Then discuss the conflicts. You may wish
to create an additional conflict chart on the
board, adding to it as Macbeth runs afoul of
additional characters. Discuss the nature of each
conflict. Point out how Macbeth’s solutions
always create both more internal conflict for
himself and additional external conflicts.
Ask students to create a “one-man show,” in
which the story thus far is told from Macbeth’s
viewpoint. Have them note his thoughts about
the witches, about his wife’s speeches, about
the murder, about Banquo. They may lift
speeches from the play, but encourage them to
add their own material. Tell students that they
need to have only a page or two. Ask them to
do a dramatic reading of their creations.
• Discuss with students why they
think her four lines might be
rhymed, when rhyme is normally
saved for the end of a scene.
Possible response: It might
reflect a turning point for Lady
Macbeth.
• Explain that, in showing uncertainty,
she has now changed places with
Macbeth. He was doubtful before
Duncan’s murder, now she is. We
already know more than Lady
Macbeth does—that Macbeth has
ordered the murder of Banquo and
Fleance. We see in the speeches that
make up the rest of the scene that
Macbeth is now the one in charge
and determined to work evilly.
13
Critical Thinking
Analyze
• Direct students’ attention to
lines 13–26.
• Point out that Shakespeare often
makes use of the comparison
between sleep and death. It was
a relatively common comparison
of biblical origin. However,
Shakespeare uses it masterfully
as a thread in the play. Remind
students of the speech in Act II,
Scene ii, when Macbeth says
“Sleep no more! Macbeth has
murdered sleep.”
• Ask students who Macbeth feels is
sleeping better than he is in this
passage.
Answer: He says that murdered
Duncan sleeps better than he does.
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Reading Check
Answer: Macbeth asks the murderers
to kill Banquo and his son, Fleance.
347
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Humanities
Mrs. Siddons as Lady Macbeth
by G. H. Harlow
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The actress depicted in this painting
is Sarah Siddons (1755–1831), one
of the greatest English actresses of
her time. She came from a family of
traveling actors and began acting as
a child. She played the part of Lady
Macbeth early in her career and performed the role at London’s Drury
Lane theater for the first time in 1785,
terrifying audiences with her vivid
portrayal of the famous character.
Critical Viewing
This artist depicted
actress Sarah Siddons
(1755–1831) playing Lady
Macbeth. How does Mrs.
Siddons’s body language
suggest the same inner
conflict as do lines 4–7 in
Act III, ii? [Connect]
Use these questions for discussion:
2. Ask students how this portrait
of Lady Macbeth compares with
the ones on pp. 319 and 336.
Possible responses: Most students will say that this portrait
portrays Lady Macbeth as quieter,
meeker, and more dainty than the
other portraits, in which she’s
depicted as larger than life,
vibrant, and wild.
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30
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Critical Viewing
Answer: The clasped hands and sad
expression suggest the insecurity and
unhappiness in lines 4–7 of Scene ii.
17
Mrs. Siddons as Lady Macbeth, G. H. Harlow, Garrick Club, London
1. How does Harlow portray Sarah
Siddons as Lady Macbeth?
Answer: Harlow portrays Lady
Macbeth in a timid posture. She is
surrounded by darkness. She looks
more fearful and demure than sinister. Her white robe gives her an
angelic, or perhaps ghostly,
appearance.
35 LADY MACBETH.
O, full of scorpions is my mind, dear wife!
Thou know’st that Banquo, and his Fleance, lives.
LADY MACBETH.
Conflict and Irony
• Have students discuss and answer
the Literary Analysis question: What
is ironic about Macbeth’s idea
about disguising the couple’s real
conflict with Banquo?
Answer: It is ironic that Macbeth
is telling Lady Macbeth that they
need to disguise their feelings,
because he is in the process of having Banquo murdered.
348
You must leave this.
MACBETH.
Literary Analysis
• Remind students that dramatic
irony occurs when the words or
actions of a character take on a
meaning different from the one the
character intends.
Let your remembrance apply to Banquo;
Present him eminence,8 both with eye and tongue:
Unsafe the while, that we must lave9
Our honors in these flattering streams
And make our faces vizards10 to our hearts,
Disguising what they are.
Conflict and Irony What
is ironic about Macbeth’s
idea about disguising
the couple’s real conflict
with Banquo (Scene ii,
lines 30–35)?
8. Present him eminence
Honor him.
9. Unsafe . . . lave We are
unsafe as long as we have to
wash.
10. vizards (viz« ßrdz) masks
11. nature’s . . . eterne
Nature’s lease is not eternal.
But in them nature’s copy’s not eterne.11
MACBETH.
40
Literary Analysis
There’s comfort yet; they are assailable.
Then be thou jocund. Ere the bat hath flown
His cloistered flight, ere to black Hecate’s summons
The shard-borne12 beetle with his drowsy hums
348 ■ Celebrating Humanity (1485–1625)
Vocabulary Builder
jocund (jäk« ßnd) adj.
cheerful; jovial
12. shard-borne borne on
scaly wings.
18
Hath rung night’s yawning peal, there shall be done
A deed of dreadful note.
LADY MACBETH.
• Have students read lines 39–56.
What ’s to be done?
Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck,13
Till thou applaud the deed. Come, seeling14 night,
Scarf up15 the tender eye of pitiful day,
And with thy bloody and invisible hand
Cancel and tear to pieces that great bond16
Which keeps me pale! Light thickens, and the crow
Makes wing to th’ rooky17 wood.
Good things of day begin to droop and drowse,
Whiles night’s black agents to their preys do rouse.
Thou marvel’st at my words: but hold thee still;
Things bad begun make strong themselves by ill:
So, prithee, go with me.
45 MACBETH.
18
50
55
13. chuck term of
endearment.
14. seeling eye-closing.
Falconers sometimes sewed
a hawk’s eyes closed in order
to train it.
15. Scarf up blindfold.
16. great bond between
Banquo and fate.
17. rooky full of rooks, or
crows.
[Exit.]
[Enter THREE MURDERERS.]
But who did bid thee join with us?
THIRD MURDERER.
19
Reading Strategy
Reading Between the
Lines To what specific
action do you think
Macbeth is indirectly
referring in lines 45–56?
Scene iii. Near the palace.
FIRST MURDERER.
Macbeth.
SECOND MURDERER.
He needs not our mistrust; since he delivers
Our offices1 and what we have to do
To the direction just.2
2. direction just exact detail.
BANQUO.
Hark! I hear horses.
[Within] Give us a light there, ho!
Then ’tis he. The rest
That are within the note of expectation3
Already are i’ th’ court.
3. within . . . expectation on
the list of expected guests.
His horses go about.4
FIRST MURDERER.
Almost a mile: but he does usually—
So all men do—from hence to th’ palace gate
Make it their walk.
4. His . . . about His horses
have been taken to the stable.
THIRD MURDERER.
20
[Enter BANQUO and FLEANCE, with a torch]
SECOND MURDERER.
A light, a light!
THIRD MURDERER.
’Tis he.
19
Critical Thinking
• Direct students’ attention to the
entrance of the three murderers
at the beginning of scene iii.
SECOND MURDERER.
10
• Ask students why they think
Macbeth might have chosen to
keep his plans for Banquo’s murder
from Lady Macbeth.
Possible responses: He may feel
that she would give him away at
the banquet that night. He might
not trust anyone at this point.
Perhaps he wants to impress her by
carrying out this act without urging
from her. Maybe he fears that she is
losing her “nerve.”
Speculate
Then stand with us.
The west yet glimmers with some streaks of day.
Now spurs the lated traveler apace
To gain the timely inn, and near approaches
The subject of our watch.
THIRD MURDERER.
Monitor Progress: Then, ask
students the Reading Strategy
question: To what specific action
do you think Macbeth is indirectly
referring in lines 45–56?
Answer: Macbeth is referring
to his plot to have Banquo and
Fleance killed.
1. offices duties.
FIRST MURDERER.
5
Reading Strategy
Reading Between the Lines
What does Macbeth
tell Lady Macbeth and
what does he hold back
from her?
Macbeth, Act III, Scene iii ■ 349
Support for
Special Needs Students
Support for
Less Proficient Readers
Support for
English Learners
To help students stay involved
in the story, review the events
thus far, briefly for Acts I and II
(witches, murder) and with
more detail for Act III. To help
students hear sentence breaks
and the meaning contributed
by oral interpretation, have
them read along with
Listening to Literature Audio
CDs.
To help students gain more
experience in using the skills
needed for understanding the
text, have them complete the
Reading Between the Lines or
Conflict exercises in Unit 2
Resources for Act III of
Macbeth. You may wish to
have students work with partners or individually with
teacher guidance.
Review the story to this point,
to make certain students
understand what they are
reading. Take time to review
words or sentence structure
that is confusing. Use the
Listening to Literature Audio
CDs, so students can hear
words pronounced. Have
them read along, to connect
sounds with printed words.
• Ask students if they were surprised
by the appearance of a third murderer.
Possible responses: Students
may say that they are surprised,
but some may say that they feel it
is in keeping with Macbeth’s
actions so far.
• Then, ask students why they think
Macbeth sent a third murderer.
Possible responses: He may not
have trusted the first two. He might
have thought the others weren’t
strong enough to take on Banquo,
who is a great soldier.
• Tell students that the identity of the
third murderer has been the subject of debate among scholars for
centuries. Some suggest that it
might be a messenger from the
witches, someone sent by Macbeth,
or even Macbeth himself in disguise. Whoever Shakespeare had
in mind, the third murderer works
primarily as a plot device to show
Macbeth’s growing fear and
mistrust.
20
Reading Check
Answer: Macbeth tells Lady
Macbeth that something will happen
to Fleance and Banquo, but he
doesn’t reveal that he has plotted
with murderers to have them killed.
349
21
Literary Analysis
15 FIRST MURDERER.
Conflict
• Have students provide a review of
the events of scene iii.
Answer: A mystery murderer
has joined the two hired to kill
Banquo. Banquo and his son
approach on horseback but dismount and walk the rest of the way
to the castle. The three murderers
set on them. Fleance escapes and
Banquo is killed.
BANQUO.
• Tell students that many scholars
consider the climax of the play to
occur with the stage directions
“Exit Fleance.” Ask students why
Fleance’s escape is important to the
drama.
Answer: The escape is important
because it means that Macbeth still
has an enemy to reckon with and
the witches’ prophecy about
Banquo’s heirs can still come true.
It is the first time that one of
Macbeth’s plans has gone wrong. It
also means someone has lived to
tell of an attempted murder, which
might lead people to doubt the
original story about Duncan’s
murder—especially because
Banquo had probably told Fleance
about the prophecies and his concerns.
• Tell students that, though some
scholars feel that Fleance’s exit is
the climax, others believe the climax is in line 21, when Macbeth
learns that Fleance has escaped.
You may wish to have students discuss in class which event they feel
is more climactic.
350
It will be rain tonight.
FIRST MURDERER.
Let it come down.
[They set upon BANQUO.]
BANQUO.
O, treachery! Fly, good Fleance, fly, fly, fly!
[Exit FLEANCE.]
Thou mayst revenge. O slave! [Dies.]
21
THIRD MURDERER.
Who did strike out the light?
Was’t not the way?5
FIRST MURDERER.
• Remind students that Banquo is a
great warrior, and it is likely that his
son, who is probably a teenager, is
also skilled in battle. So, it is likely
that Fleance could escape the fight.
• Ask students why Fleance’s escape
creates an external conflict for
Macbeth.
Answer: Macbeth had hoped to
cheat fate. He had hoped that,
though the witches’ predictions
came true about him, he could
keep them from coming true about
Banquo and the promised line of
kings to come from Banquo.
Stand to ’t
20 THIRD MURDERER.
There’s but one down; the son is fled.
SECOND MURDERER.
FIRST MURDERER.
5. way thing to do.
We have lost best half of our affair.
Well, let ’s away and say how much is done.
[Exit.]
Scene iv. The palace.
[Banquet prepared. Enter MACBETH, LADY MACBETH, ROSS, LENNOX, LORDS,
and ATTENDANTS.]
You know your own degrees;1 sit down:
At first and last, the hearty welcome.
MACBETH.
LORDS.
Thanks to your Majesty.
Ourself will mingle with society2
And play the humble host.
Our hostess keeps her state,3 but in best time
We will require4 her welcome.
MACBETH.
5
1. degrees ranks. At state
banquets guests were seated
according to rank.
LADY MACBETH.
Pronounce it for me, sir, to all our friends,
For my heart speaks they are welcome.
2. society company.
3. keeps her state remains
seated on her throne.
4. require request.
[Enter FIRST MURDERER.]
10 MACBETH.
See, they encounter thee with their hearts’ thanks.
Both sides are even: here I’ll sit i’ th’ midst:
Be large in mirth; anon we’ll drink a measure5
The table round. [Goes to MURDERER] There’s blood upon thy face.
MURDERER.
’Tis Banquo’s then.
’Tis better thee without than he within.6
Is he dispatched?
15 MACBETH.
MURDERER.
5. measure toast.
6. thee . . . within you
outside than he inside.
My lord, his throat is cut; that I did for him.
MACBETH.
20
Thou art the best o’ th’ cutthroats.
Yet he’s good that did the like for Fleance;
If thou didst it, thou art the nonpareil.7
7. nonpareil without equal.
350 ■ Celebrating Humanity (1485–1625)
Ghosts
When Shakespeare included ghosts in his plays,
he knew that many people believed in restless
spirits who returned to Earth. Some people in
Western culture believe that the ghosts of murdererd people appear to seek retribution (an
idea at least 1,600 years old at the time
Shakespeare picked it up).
Though the idea of ghosts or restless spirits is
fairly universal, different groups have different
views. Some groups of Native Americans and
Pacific Islanders believe that ghosts return to
Earth for both good and evil purposes. Some
members of these cultures perform ceremonies
to call forth the ghosts and ask for their help in
earthly matters.
In Australia, traditional Aboriginal groups
would leave a campsite when someone died, to
avoid the person’s spirits. In Asia, some people
honor the spirits of dead ancestors, which are
believed to bring good fortune to families who
show proper respect.
In Western cultures, some people are afraid
of ghosts, while others are fascinated.
22
MURDERER.
Most royal sir, Fleance is ’scaped.
MACBETH.
25
[Aside] Then comes my fit again: I had else been perfect,
Whole as the marble, founded as the rock,
As broad and general as the casing8 air:
But now I am cabined, cribbed, confined, bound in
To saucy9 doubts and fears.—But Banquo’s safe?
8. as . . . casing as unrestrained as the surrounding.
9. saucy insolent.
MURDERER.
Ay, my good lord: safe in a ditch he bides,
With twenty trenchèd10 gashes on his head,
The least a death to nature.11
10. trenchèd trenchlike.
11. nature natural life.
MACBETH.
30
Thanks for that.
[Aside] There the grown serpent lies; the worm that’s fled
Hath nature that in time will venom breed,
No teeth for th’ present. Get thee gone. Tomorrow
We’ll hear ourselves12 again.
[Exit MURDERER.]
22
My royal lord,
You do not give the cheer.13 The feast is sold
That is not often vouched, while ’tis a-making,
’Tis given with welcome.14 To feed were best at home;
From thence, the sauce to meat is ceremony;15
Meeting were bare without it.
13. give the cheer make the
guests feel welcome.
15. From . . . ceremony
Ceremony adds a pleasant
flavor to the food.
[Enter the GHOST of BANQUO and sits in MACBETH’S place.]
16. our . . . roofed the most
honorable men in the country
under one roof.
MACBETH.
Sweet remembrancer!
Now good digestion wait on appetite,
And health on both!
40 LENNOX.
12. hear ourselves talk it
over.
14. The feast . . . welcome
The feast at which the host
fails to make the guests feel
welcome while the food is
being prepared is no more
than a bought dinner.
LADY MACBETH.
35
Literary Analysis
Dramatic Irony
May’t please your Highness sit.
24
Here had we now our country’s honor roofed,16
Were the graced person of our Banquo present—
MACBETH.
What do the murderers
fail to do?
23
Cultural Connection
Stagecraft at the Globe
It took some sophisticated Elizabethan theatrics to manage
entrances and exits such as those of Banquo’s ghost. (Macbeth reacts
to the ghost in this picture.) In the farthest reaches of the Globe
theater’s stage was a small area called the rear stage, which was open
to the audience but enclosed by a wall at the back and cloth hangings
on the sides. A trapdoor in the floor of the rear stage was the means by
which Banquo’s ghost made an entrance. The trapdoor operated
silently, and it was not completely visible to the audience.
• Explain that this scene contains
asides within asides. Macbeth is
obviously off to the side talking
to the blood-soaked murderers,
because no one else sees them
(their appearance would certainly
have raised questions). Within this
side conversation, Macbeth has
asides directed to the audience.
• Tell students that the word worm in
line 30 had a different meaning in
Shakespeare’s day. Then, it was
often used as another word for
snake. Ask students if lines 30–33
remind them of anything else
Macbeth has said recently about
snakes.
Answer: In Scene ii, lines 13–15,
Macbeth speaks of danger in general as being a snake and says that
killing Duncan has wounded the
snake but not killed it. Killing
Banquo and Fleance was a way
to remove that danger.
• Ask students to identify the dramatic irony in Macbeth’s speech as
he converses with his guests.
Answer: In lines 41–42, Macbeth
says that everything would be
perfect if Banquo were there. In
reality, he has done everything possible to ensure that Banquo will not
be there—he has had Banquo murdered.
23
Literature in Context
Cultural Connection Macbeth is
not the only play that needed a trapdoor for a ghost. Another famous
apparition was “Great Caesar’s
ghost” in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar.
In fact, astonishing entrances were
included in most writers’ works—
special effects have always been
popular.
What other characters in Macbeth might have used a trapdoor for
exits or entrances?
Macbeth, Act III, Scene iv ■ 351
Enrichment for Gifted/Talented Students
Enrichment for Advanced Readers
Explain that Shakespeare’s plays have provided
inspiration to many artists over the centuries.
Some of the best-known works inspired by
Macbeth are included in the Student Edition.
Have students review these paintings. Students
may also wish to find other images by looking
at other versions of this play. Then, encourage
students to choose a setting, character, or event
from Macbeth and capture it artistically.
Tell students that, quite obviously, special
effects have changed a lot over the centuries.
Movies depend on computers and other technologies to create effects. However, though theater effects are now more sophisticated, they
still depend on trapdoors for surprise entries.
Have students study the current state-of-the-art
in special effects, either for theaters or for
movies. Alternatively, they may wish to compare how the same effect would be created on
film versus stage. Have students share their discoveries with the class.
Connect to the Literature Ask
students what other supernatural
characters appear in Macbeth. Then,
ask the Connect to the Literature
question.
Answer: The three witches might
have used a trapdoor.
24
Reading Check
Answer: The murderers fail to kill
Fleance.
351
25
Reading Strategy
Who may I rather challenge for unkindness
Than pity for mischance!17
Reading Between the Lines
• After students have read scene iv,
ask them how it is consistent with
the play thus far.
Answer: Macbeth has seen floating daggers, and Duncan’s death
was accompanied by strange
events, so a ghost fits right in.
ROSS.
45
MACBETH.
LENNOX.
• Remind students of the scene
in which Macbeth saw the
“air-drawn dagger” of which Lady
Macbeth speaks (Act II, scene i,
lines 33–47).
• Ask students what Macbeth’s comments in lines 76–84 indicate about
his view of murder.
Answer: Macbeth seems to view
murder as not human or civilized,
but not particularly evil. His comments indicate that he is more
unnerved by seeing ghosts than he
is concerned about the immorality
of his actions.
26
Literary Analysis
Conflict
Reteach: Remind students that
an external conflict is a struggle
between two characters or groups
and an internal conflict is a struggle within a character.
Monitor Progress: Ask the
Literary Analysis question: How does
the incident with Banquo’s ghost
convey Macbeth’s inner conflict?
Answer: The ghost appears when
Macbeth mentions Banquo, indicating that he may be feeling guilty
about Banquo’s death, or at least
worried and fearful of consequences.
Macbeth’s shock at the sight of the
ghost reveals his agitation—both
about the actions he has taken and
the course of future events.
352
LENNOX.
The table’s full.
Reading Strategy
Here is a place reserved, sir.
MACBETH.
• Macbeth is very agitated. Note
that, in lines 22–26, after learning
of Fleance’s escape, he says “Then
comes my fit again” and goes on
to describe how he is again the
prisoner of his fears.
• Ask the Reading Strategy question:
How might you connect Macbeth’s
agitation with his knowledge that
Fleance has escaped?
Answer: Macbeth is concerned
about the power the witches predicted for Fleance and is upset that
his latest murder plot was not successful and might, therefore, be
discovered.
His absence, sir,
Lays blame upon his promise. Please ’t your Highness
To grace us with your royal company?
Where?
Here, my good lord. What is ’t that moves your Highness?
MACBETH.
Which of you have done this?
50 LORDS.
What, my good lord?
Literary Analysis
ROSS.
Conflict How does the
incident with Banquo’s
ghost convey Macbeth’s
inner conflict?
Gentlemen, rise, his Highness is not well.
LADY MACBETH.
25
Reading Between the
Lines How might you
connect Macbeth’s
agitation with his
knowledge that
Fleance has escaped?
MACBETH.
Thou canst not say I did it. Never shake
Thy gory locks at me.
55
17. Who . . . mischance
whom I hope I may reproach
for being absent due to
discourtesy rather than pity
because he has had an
accident.
Sit, worthy friends. My lord is often thus,
And hath been from his youth. Pray you, keep seat.
The fit is momentary; upon a thought18
He will again be well. If much you note him,
You shall offend him and extend his passion.19
Feed, and regard him not.—Are you a man?
18. upon a thought in a
moment.
19. passion suffering.
60 MACBETH.
Ay, and a bold one, that dare look on that
Which might appall the devil.
26
LADY MACBETH.
65
O proper stuff!
This is the very painting of your fear.
This is the air-drawn dagger which, you said,
Led you to Duncan. O, these flaws20 and starts,
Impostors to true fear, would well become
A woman’s story at a winter’s fire,
Authorized21 by her grandam. Shame itself!
Why do you make such faces? When all’s done,
You look but on a stool.
21. Authorized vouched for.
MACBETH.
70
Prithee, see there!
Behold! Look! Lo! How say you?
Why, what care I? If thou canst nod, speak too.
If charnel houses22 and our graves must send
Those that we bury back, our monuments
Shall be the maws of kites.23
20. flaws gusts of wind;
outbursts of emotion.
75 LADY MACBETH.
MACBETH.
[Exit GHOST.]
What, quite unmanned in folly?
If I stand here, I saw him.
LADY MACBETH.
352 ■ Celebrating Humanity (1485–1625)
Fie, for shame!
22. charnel houses vaults
containing human bones dug
up in making new graves.
23. our . . . kites Our tombs
shall be the bellies of birds
of prey.
27
27
Scene from Macbeth, Cattermole, The Folger Shakespeare Library, Washington,D.C.
28
In what ways does
the artist’s use of light
and shadow suggest
the conflict in Act III,
Scene iv? [Interpret]
24. Ere . . . weal before
humane laws civilized the
state and made it gentle.
25. mortal . . . crowns
deadly wounds on their
heads.
LADY MACBETH.
My worthy lord,
Your noble friends do lack you.
I do forget.
Do not muse at me, my most worthy friends;
I have a strange infirmity, which is nothing
To those that know me. Come, love and health to all!
Then I’ll sit down. Give me some wine, fill full.
85 MACBETH.
Vocabulary Builder
infirmity (in f†r« mß tè) n.
physical or mental defect;
illness
[Enter GHOST.]
90
I drink to th’ general joy o’ th’ whole table,
And to our dear friend Banquo, whom we miss;
Would he were here! To all and him we thirst,26
And all to all.
LORDS.
Avaunt!27 and quit my sight! Let the earth hide thee!
Thy bones are marrowless, thy blood is cold;
MACBETH.
95
Our duties, and the pledge.
Humanities
Scene from Macbeth, by George
Cattermole
George Cattermole (1800–1868) was
born in Norfolk, England. Trained as
an architectural draftsman, he later
turned to illustrating historical
events, particularly scenes of battles
and duels. He is best known for his
illustrations and watercolors.
Cattermole was good friends with
Charles Dickens, whose writings he
illustrated. He also created romantic
illustrations for works of Lord Byron
and Sir Walter Scott. His sense of history drove him to always pay careful
attention to such details as the backgrounds and costumes the characters
wore.
Use these questions for discussion:
MACBETH.
80
Blood hath been shed ere now, i’ th’ olden time,
Ere humane statute purged the gentle weal;24
Ay, and since too, murders have been performed
Too terrible for the ear. The times has been
That, when the brains were out, the man would die,
And there an end; but now they rise again,
With twenty mortal murders on their crowns,25
And push us from our stools. This is more strange
Than such a murder is.
Critical Viewing
1. Does Macbeth’s body language
suggest anything about his state
of mind?
Answer: Though Macbeth is
depicted as a large, powerful
man, his body language suggests
that he is fearful and taken aback.
2. What might the bright light in the
center of the painting represent?
Possible response: Some students may say the bright light in
the center of the painting represents Macbeth’s fear that the truth
about his plot will surface. It also
highlights the line of kings who
will descend from Banquo—the
good that will survive Macbeth’s
evil.
Critical Viewing
26. thirst drink.
28
27. Avaunt Be gone!
Possible reponse: The artist’s use
of shadow may symbolize Macbeth’s
emotional state: He attempts to stay
in the light, acting the jovial host,
but the shadows, Banquo’s ghost,
and Macbeth’s guilty conscience
keep intruding.
29
Why is Macbeth startled
at the feast?
Macbeth, Act III, Scene iv ■ 353
29
Reading Check
Answer: Macbeth is startled at the
feast because he sees the ghost of
Banquo.
353
30
Reading Strategy
Thou hast no speculation28 in those eyes
Which thou dost glare with.
Reading Between the Lines
• Ask students to consider how they
would react if they were at a dinner
party where the host began to act
as Macbeth does.
Possible response: Students will
probably say that they would be
concerned or afraid that the host
was hallucinating, insane, or
unwell.
• Have students consider Lady
Macbeth’s comments in this scene.
Then, ask them the Reading Strategy question: Do Lady Macbeth’s
remarks suggest that she, too, sees
the ghost?
Possible response: It seems
unlikely that Lady Macbeth sees the
ghost, because she is too calm in
making excuses, and she is too
annoyed with Macbeth’s reactions,
which she would understand if she
saw the ghost. Also, she was not
involved in Banquo’s murder and
doesn’t know about it yet, so it is
likely that she would react pretty
strongly to the gore-soaked image
of a butchered Banquo. However,
some students may feel that she
must see the ghost, because of her
own guilt.
• Ask students why they think Lady
Macbeth is covering up for
Macbeth.
Answer: Though it seems likely
that she is worried only about
Duncan’s murder, having not yet
been told about Banquo, Lady
Macbeth knows that her own security rests on Macbeth’s crime
remaining a secret. She was an aide
in the crime, and would therefore
be condemned. Even if Macbeth
fell and she escaped punishment,
she would no longer be queen, and
her ambition is also behind
Duncan’s murder.
28. speculation sight.
LADY MACBETH.
Think of this, good peers,
But as a thing of custom, ’tis no other.
Only it spoils the pleasure of the time.
100 MACBETH.
105
What man dare, I dare.
Approach thou like the rugged Russian bear,
The armed rhinoceros, or th’ Hyrcan29 tiger;
Take any shape but that,30 and my firm nerves
Shall never tremble. Or be alive again,
And dare me to the desert31 with thy sword.
If trembling I inhabit32 then, protest me
The baby of a girl. Hence, horrible shadow!
Unreal mock’ry, hence!
29. Hyrcan (hßr« kßn) from
Hyrcania, a province of the
ancient Persian and Macedonian empires south of the
Caspian Sea.
30. that Banquo’s shape.
[Exit GHOST.]
Why, so: being gone,
I am a man again. Pray you, sit still.
31. desert place where
neither of us could escape.
32. inhabit remain indoors.
LADY MACBETH.
30
110
You have displaced the mirth, broke the
good meeting,
With most admired33 disorder.
MACBETH.
115
Can such things be,
And overcome us34 like a summer’s cloud,
Without our special wonder? You make me strange
Even to the disposition that I owe,35
When now I think you can behold such sights,
And keep the natural ruby of your cheeks,
When mine is blanched with fear.
33. admired amazing.
35. disposition. . . owe my
own nature.
Reading Strategy
LADY MACBETH.
Reading Between the
Lines Do Lady Macbeth’s
remarks in this scene
suggest that she, too,
sees the ghost? Why or
why not?
LENNOX.
36. Stand . . . going Do not
wait to depart in order of rank.
ROSS.
120
34. overcome us come
over us.
What sights, my lord?
I pray you, speak not: He grows worse and worse;
Question enrages him: at once, good night.
Stand not upon the order of your going,36
But go at once.
Good night; and better health
Attend his Majesty!
LADY MACBETH.
A kind good night to all!
[Exit LORDS.]
MACBETH.
125
It will have blood, they say: blood will have blood.
Stones have been known to move and trees to speak;
Augures and understood relations37 have
By maggot-pies and choughs38 and rooks brought forth
The secret’st man of blood.39 What is the night?
LADY MACBETH.
Almost at
odds40
with morning, which is which.
MACBETH.
How say’st thou, that Macduff denies his person
At our great bidding?
37. Augures and understood relations omens
and the relationship between
the omens and what they
represent.
38. maggot-pies and
choughs (chufs) magpies
and crows.
39. man of blood murderer.
40. at odds disputing.
354 ■ Celebrating Humanity (1485–1625)
Hecate and Scene v
Hecate (pronounced hekaty—so it would
almost rhyme with angerly in line 1) was a goddess accepted at an early date into Greek religion. However, she was probably derived from
an early people in southwest Asia Minor. The
name in Greek means “she who works her
will.” Hecate was the chief goddess of magic
and spells. Because of associations between
magic and the moon, she was often identified
with the moon-goddess Diana. However,
Hecate was considered the infernal aspect of
the moon.
354
Interestingly, it is possible that Shakespeare
didn’t create this appearance of Hecate in the
play. Most scholars believe that this scene was
written by someone else. They think it was
added because Elizabethan audiences enjoyed
the witches so thoroughly. Some attribute the
passage to playwright Thomas Middleton
(1580–1627), a contemporary of Shakespeare
who was known for his social satires. The scene
is clever, but contributes nothing to the action
of the play.
31
130 LADY MACBETH.
Did you send to him, sir?
MACBETH.
135
31
140
I hear it by the way, but I will send:
There’s not a one of them but in his house
I keep a servant fee’d.41 I will tomorrow,
And betimes42 I will, to the weird sisters:
More shall they speak, for now I am bent43 to know
By the worst means the worst. For mine own good
All causes shall give way. I am in blood
Stepped in so far that, should I wade no more,
Returning were as tedious as go o’er.
Strange things I have in head that will to hand,
Which must be acted ere they may be scanned.44
LADY MACBETH.
41. fee’d paid to spy.
42. betimes quickly.
43. bent determined.
Literary Analysis
Conflict How do lines
136–139 in Scene iv mark a
turning point in Macbeth’s
inner conflict?
You lack the season of all natures,45 sleep.
Come, we’ll to sleep. My strange and self-abuse46
Is the initiate fear that wants hard use.47
We are yet but young in deed.
44. scanned examined.
45. season . . . natures
preservative of all living
creatures.
MACBETH.
145
[Exit.]
Scene v. A witches’ haunt.
Why, how now, Hecate! you look angerly.
Have I not reason, beldams1 as you are,
Saucy and overbold? How did you dare
To trade and traffic with Macbeth
In riddles and affairs of death;
And I, the mistress of your charms,
The close contriver2 of all harms,
Was never called to bear my part,
Or show the glory of our art?
And, which is worse, all you have done
Hath been but for a wayward son,
Spiteful and wrathful; who, as others do,
Loves for his own ends, not for you.
But make amends now: get you gone,
And at the pit of Acheron3
Meet me i’ th’ morning: thither he
Will come to know his destiny.
Your vessels and your spells provide,
Your charms and everything beside.
I am for th’ air; this night I’ll spend
Unto a dismal and a fatal end:
Great business must be wrought ere noon.
Upon the corner of the moon
There hangs a vap’rous drop profound;
I’ll catch it ere it come to ground:
And that distilled by magic sleights4
HECATE.
5
10
15
20
25
46. My . . . self-abuse my
strange delusion.
47. initiate . . . use beginner’s
fear that will harden with
experience.
[Thunder. Enter the THREE WITCHES, meeting HECATE.]
FIRST WITCH.
Literary Analysis
Conflict
1. beldams hags.
2. close contriver secret
inventor.
3. Acheron (ak« ßr än«) hell;
in Greek mythology the river
of Hades.
4. sleights devices.
32
Why will Macbeth visit
“the weird sisters” again?
Macbeth, Act III, Scene v ■ 355
Support for English Learners
Enrichment for Advanced Readers
The rhyming in Hecate’s speech may present
both help and problems to students. The fun
sound of rhyming words is a common
mnemonic in learning language, but some of
the words don’t rhyme in current usage. Point
out word pairs that no longer rhyme now: are /
dare (lines 2–3) and bear / fear (lines 30–31).
Also, explain that sleights (line 26) does rhyme
with sprites. Read the speech aloud. Then, have
students read sections of the speech to practice
pronunciation.
Thomas Middleton has been named as the possible author of Act III, Scene v. Have students
research this playwright and scan one or more
of his plays, looking for clues as to his style and
writing skill. Ask them to read enough to form
an opinion about Middleton’s abilities. Then,
have them present their evidence, in a written
or oral report, as to whether or not Middleton
would have been up to creating this scene.
• Have students read Macbeth’s
comments in lines 131–141 and
143–145 carefully.
• Have students identify the comment that lets them know that
Macbeth already doesn’t trust
anyone.
Answer: In lines 132–133, he says
he is paying servants in everyone’s
households to spy for him.
• Ask students the Literary Analysis
question: How do lines 136–139 in
Scene iv mark a turning point in
Macbeth’s inner conflict?
Answer: Macbeth has come to the
point where he feels that he will do
anything to protect his position,
without his previous doubts. He has
reached what he himself views as
the point of no return, where he
has gone so far that it’s as far forward as it is back.
• Ask students what they think these
lines, along with the comment in
line 145, tell the audience about
what events they can expect in
the future.
Answer: It indicates that Macbeth
will visit the witches, but it also
indicates that a lot more people
will be murdered. “We are but
young in deed” indicates that
the killing has only just begun.
Reteach: Remind students that
the climax of a play is the point at
which the conflict reaches its highest point, and after that the action
falls as the conflicts are resolved.
Ask students how they feel
Macbeth’s attitude at this point
reflects the beginning of the
resolution of conflicts.
Possible response: Macbeth’s
inner conflict appears to have been
resolved; he no longer seems to be
slowed up by any sense of guilt or
fear of consequences. The decision
to resolve the external conflict has
been made, as Macbeth spies on
and plans to kill his enemies.
32
Reading Check
Answer: Macbeth decides to visit
the weird sisters again to demand
that they tell him more about his
future, now that he has done so
much.
355
33
Reading Strategy
Reading Between the Lines
• As students read Scene vi, tell them
to look for subtle comments that
would let the audience know that
Lennox and the other lord are not
as fond of Macbeth as they might
at first seem. In fact, you may wish
to tell them to read it with the idea
in mind that they hate Macbeth.
30
5. artificial sprites spirits
created by magic.
6. confusion ruin.
7. security overconfidence.
[Music and a song.]
35
• Have students look at lines 18–19.
Ask them what Lennox says that
lets us know that he believes that
Duncan’s sons are innocent.
Answer: His comment that, if it
pleases heaven, Duncan’s sons will
never be in Macbeth’s power,
shows that he feels that they
should not be punished.
Hark! I am called; my little spirit, see,
Sits in a foggy cloud and stays for me.
[Exit.]
[Sing within, “Come away, come away,” etc.]
FIRST WITCH.
Come, let’s make haste; she’ll soon be
back again.
[Exit.]
Scene vi. The palace.
[Enter LENNOX and another LORD.]
My former speeches have but hit1 your thoughts,
Which can interpret farther.2 Only I say
Things have been strangely borne.3 The gracious Duncan
Was pitied of Macbeth: marry, he was dead.
And the right-valiant Banquo walked too late;
Whom, you may say, if ’t please you, Fleance killed,
For Fleance fled. Men must not walk too late.
Who cannot want the thought,4 how monstrous
It was for Malcolm and for Donalbain
To kill their gracious father? Damnèd fact!5
How it did grieve Macbeth! Did he not straight,
In pious rage, the two delinquents tear,
That were the slaves of drink and thralls6 of sleep?
Was not that nobly done? Ay, and wisely too;
For ’twould have angered any heart alive
To hear the men deny ’t. So that I say
He has borne all things well: and I do think
That, had he Duncan’s sons under his key—
As, an ’t7 please heaven, he shall not—they should find
What ‘twere to kill a father. So should Fleance.
But, peace! for from broad8 words, and ’cause he failed
His presence at the tyrant’s feast, I hear,
Macduff lives in disgrace. Sir, can you tell
Where he bestows himself?
LENNOX.
• Have students identify the word
(lines 22–26) that both men use
that tells us their true feelings
about Macbeth.
Answer: Both use the word tyrant,
which implies injustice and a
usurped throne.
5
• Ask students how the second
lord’s description of England’s
Edward lets us know that this lord
feels that Duncan’s son is innocent.
Answer: He calls him pious and
holy, which implies that he would
be on the side of right and goodness. Therefore, if he has received
Duncan’s son, the son must be
innocent.
• Have students discuss what coming
action and events they can anticipate from the information supplied
in lines 24–39.
Answer: Macbeth will probably try
to kill Macduff. Macbeth will soon
face an English army, as well as
unhappy Scots, in battle.
Shall raise such artificial sprites5
As by the strength of their illusion
Shall draw him on to his confusion.6
He shall spurn fate, scorn death, and bear
His hopes ’bove wisdom, grace, and fear:
And you all know security7
Is mortals’ chiefest enemy.
10
15
20
33
LORD.
25
The son of Duncan,
From whom this tyrant holds the due of birth,9
Lives in the English court, and is received
Of the most pious Edward10 with such grace
1. hit coincided with.
2. Which . . . farther from
which you can draw your own
conclusions.
3. borne managed.
4. cannot . . . thought can
fail to think.
5. fact deed.
6. thralls slaves.
7. an ’t if it.
8. broad unguarded.
9. due of birth birthright;
claim to the throne.
10. Edward Edward the
Confessor, king of England
1042–1066.
356 ■ Celebrating Humanity (1485–1625)
Forms of Propaganda
(For more practice, see Standardized Test Preparation
Workbook, p. 14.)
Many tests require students to recognize perAnd beggared yours forever?
suasive devices. Use this item to show that
Macbeth asks the murderers these questions
sometimes rhetorical questions are a persuasive
because he wants them to—
device.
A answer him truthfully
Macbeth. . . . Do you find
B be patient and forgiving
Your patience so predominant in your nature,
C know what Banquo has done to them
D agree to kill Banquo
That you can let this go? Are you so gospeled,
Macbeth is persuading the murderers to kill
To pray for this good man and for his issue,
Banquo. The correct answer is D.
Whose heavy hand hath bowed you to the
grave
356
34
34
30
35
34 Vocabulary Builder
That the malevolence of fortune nothing
Takes from his high respect.11 Thither Macduff
Is gone to pray the holy King, upon his aid12
To wake Northumberland and warlike Siward;13
That by the help of these, with Him above
To ratify the work, we may again
Give to our tables meat, sleep to our nights,
Free from our feasts and banquets bloody knives,
Do faithful homage and receive free honors:14
All which we pine for now. And this report
Hath so exasperate the King that he
Prepares for some attempt of war.
LENNOX.
malevolence (mß lev«ß lßns)
n. ill will; spitefulness
11. with . . . respect does
not diminish the high respect
he is given.
12. upon his aid to aid
Malcolm.
13. To . . . Siward to call to
arms the commander of the
English forces, the Earl of
Northumberland, and his son
Siward.
14. free honors honors
given to freemen.
Sent he to Macduff?
40 LORD.
He did: and with an absolute “Sir, not I,”
The cloudy15 messenger turns me his back,
And hums, as who should say “You’ll rue the time
That clogs16 me with this answer.”
15. cloudy disturbed.
16. clogs burdens.
• Call students’ attention to the word
malevolent and its definition. Tell
students that the Latin word root
-mal- means “bad,” or “badly.”
• Have students suggest words and
phrases that contain this root,
and list them on the chalkboard.
• If students don’t offer many examples, feel free to add others.
Examples might include malpractice, malediction, malefactor, malfunction, maladjusted, malcontent,
malodorous, malnourished.
• Then, have students look up in the
dictionary the meanings of any
words that are unfamiliar.
LENNOX.
45
And that well might
Advise him to a caution, t’ hold what distance
His wisdom can provide. Some holy angel
Fly to the court of England and unfold
His message ere he come, that a swift blessing
May soon return to this our suffering country
Under a hand accursed!
Vocabulary Builder
Latin Prefix mal-
LORD.
Answers
I’ll send my prayers with him.
1. (a) Macbeth complains that
murdered men don’t stay in their
graves, they rise again.
(b) Possible response: There is
a kind of grim humor in the passage. It’s a ridiculous response to a
blood-covered ghost.
(c) Possible response: The grim
humor here, which emanates
from guilt and insanity, is not
really comparable to the porter’s
scene, which was kind of goofy
but innocent. The porter gets a
laugh; Macbeth gets a shudder.
[Exit.]
Critical Reading
1. (a) Recall: In the banquet scene, what complaint does Macbeth make
about murdered men? (b) Analyze: Is there anything humorous or even
ridiculous in this complaint? Why or why not? (c) Connect: Does
Shakespeare use humor for comic relief in this scene, as he does in the
earlier scene with the porter? Explain.
2. (a) Recall: What does Macbeth think as he anticipates the murder of
Banquo? (b) Compare and Contrast: Compare and contrast Macbeth’s
thoughts about Banquo’s murder with his thoughts before the murder
of Duncan.
3. Synthesize: Has the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth
changed? Explain.
4. Generalize: What does this act suggest about the effects of evil on
evildoers? Explain.
For: More about
William Shakespeare
Visit: www.PHSchool.com
Web Code: ese-9209
Macbeth, Act III, Scene vi ■ 357
For additional information about
William Shakespeare, have students
type in the Web Code, then select S from the alphabet, and then select the author’s name.
2. (a) Macbeth thinks he will have
made himself safe by killing
Banquo. He is eager to see it
done. (b) Possible response:
Macbeth’s thoughts before killing
Duncan were quite different. His
fear then was about the act of
killing; with regard to Banquo, he
fears the victim. He hesitated
then, he doesn’t now.
3. The relationship has changed.
They are no longer partners.
Macbeth is not consulting Lady
Macbeth or informing her of his
decisions. She is no longer urging
him to violence but would rather
have him calm down and stop
worrying.
4. Possible answer: The evildoer
becomes calloused and no longer
has normal feelings of either guilt
or love. The evil is never finished,
and it continues to produce evil
results.
357