ACT III

The Ghost of Banquo (1855) by Théodore Chassériau

III i-iii (Act 3, Scenes 1-3) 1. According to Banquo’s soliloquy at the beginning of Scene 1, why does he have reason to fear Macbeth? Banquo knows the witches’ predictions have come true thus far and he fears Macbeth will try to kill his sons. 2. A) What does Macbeth invite Banquo to? Banquet/feast B) When is it to take place? Later that night C) Who will accompany Banquo on his horseback ride? Fleance (his son) D) Why is Macbeth so interested in these details? He wants to murder both Fleance and Banquo. 3. According to Macbeth’s soliloquy in Scene 1, why does he fear Banquo? He fears losing his throne, and Banquo knows of the witches’ predictions. 4. When Macbeth speaks to the two murderers, what motivation does he give them for killing Banquo? Macbeth claims that Banquo has hindered the two men from advancing in society; Macbeth makes out Banquo to be the enemy, a problem, and evil. 5. What type of men are these two murderers? Greedy, cold-hearted 6. Why is Macbeth especially concerned that Fleance be murdered too? Macbeth does not want Banquo’s offspring – in this case, Fleance – to take the throne of Scotland, as the three witches had predicted. 7. How is Lady Macbeth feeling since she has become Queen of Scotland? She is letting everything go, telling Macbeth to let it go as well. 8. What mental state is Macbeth in when he enters Scene 2? Paranoid 9. Why would Macbeth envy the dead? They can sleep/rest peacefully. 10. A) Do you think Lady Macbeth is aware of Macbeth’s plot to kill Banquo and Fleance? No B) What does this show about their relationship? They do not trust each other. 11. Generally, have they been happy since they took the throne? No. 12. A) Whom do the murderers kill? Banquo B) Who escapes? Banquo’s son, Fleance

III iv-vi (Act 3, Scenes 4-6) 1. What mood are Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in as the banquet begins? Paranoid 2. Whom does Macbeth think he sees in his seat? Banquo 3. What is Lady Macbeth’s explanation to the guests for his behavior? It’s in his head; just ignore him. 4. What does the ghost’s second appearance do to the banquet? She ends the banquet and sends everyone home. 5. What does Macduff’s absence imply to Macbeth? That he can’t trust Macduff. 6. A) At the end of this scene, who does Macbeth plan to visit again? The witches B) What does Macbeth think will enable him to be more comfortable with his evil ways? More experience 7. In Scene 6, where has Macduff gone? England 8. From whom will Macduff ask help in battling Macbeth? King Edward and Siward (Edward’s son) 9. Who else is in England? Malcolm 10. Generally, how have things been going for Scotland since Macbeth took over? Things have been going badly.

ACT IV Murderers attack Macduff’s family at the end of IV ii.

IV i-iii (Act 4, Scenes 1-3) 1. What is the purpose of the witches’ extensive “preparations” at the beginning of Scene 1? Creating a potion to cast spells 2. A) What is the first apparition? A head with a helmet B) What is its message? Beware Macduff 3. A) What is the second apparition? Baby covered in blood B) What is its message? None of woman born shall harm Macbeth. 4. A) What is the third apparition? Crowned child with a tree in his hand B) What is its message? Macbeth won’t be defeated until Birnam Wood marches up Dunsinane Hill. 5. Why is Macbeth upset about the final vision that the witches show him (line of kings of Banquo’s descent)? Macbeth is afraid of losing the throne. 6. Why is Macbeth upset about the news of Macduff’s flight to England? He thinks Macduff is going for help and he thinks back to the first apparition. 7. What are Macbeth’s plans for Macduff’s family? Death 8. What type of person does Lady Macduff’s son appear to be? Afraid, smart, sarcastic 9. What purpose does this entire scene serve for the play as a whole? This scene shows how Macbeth has lost total control. 10. In Scene 3, why would Malcolm have good reason to be suspicious of Macduff? Malcolm would be afraid that Macbeth has sent him. 11. What is Macduff’s resolve when he hears the news of his family’s deaths? He resolves to kill Macbeth and end Macbeth’s ruinous reign of Scotland.

ACT V “Out, damned spot!” (V i 36): The doctor and waiting- gentlewoman (background) observe Lady Macbeth sleepwalking. This photo is from a recent Chicago production of The Tragedy of Macbeth.

V i-ii (Act 5, Scenes 1-2) 1. According to the waiting-gentlewoman, what has Lady Macbeth been doing at night? Sleepwalking 2. What are three revelations in Lady Macbeth’s sleepwalking soliloquy? A) She killed someone. B) She was involved in, and has knowledge of, Banquo’s death. C) She possesses knowledge of the brutal murders of Macduff’s family. 3. What does her monologue do for the doctor’s suspicions? He thinks she might commit suicide (remove instruments of harm) and says that she needs a priest, not a doctor. 4. What has happened to Lady Macbeth since she became Queen of Scotland? She experiences guilt and has gone crazy. 5. In Scene 2, what do we learn about Macbeth’s enemies? Macbeth’s enemies have decided to band together and attack him. 6. A) Where do they all plan to meet? Birnam Wood B) Why is this place significant? The witches’ apparitions spoke of Birnam Wood. 7. According to Caithness (a Scottish nobleman), what has happened to Macbeth? Caithness reports that Macbeth has hunkered down in the castle and won’t leave.

V iii-viii (Act 5, Scenes 3-8) 1. Throughout the entire listing of bad news, what continues to give Macbeth courage? Memory of the apparitions gives Macbeth courage, particularly their prediction that none born of woman shall harm Macbeth. 2. According to the doctor, what condition is Lady Macbeth in? She is crazy. 3. What is Malcolm’s directive to the soldiers in Scene 4? Everyone cut a branch and march with it to conceal how big the army is. 4. What situation is Macbeth in at the castle? Everyone is turning against him. 5. What does Macbeth bemoan when he hears “the cry of women” (Scene 6)? He has become numb to it; nothing bothers him anymore. 6. What two pieces of news does Macbeth receive in Scene 5? A) Lady Macbeth committed suicide. B) Birnam Wood is on the move toward the castle. 7. Describe Macbeth’s reaction to Lady Macbeth’s suicide. Macbeth is apathetic; he does not care about his wife’s suicide and is more consumed with what is happening to himself. 8. What does Siward’s death in Scene 7 do to Macbeth’s confidence? Macbeth’s confidence increases. 9. Why doesn’t Macbeth want to fight Macduff at the beginning of Scene 5? Macbeth thinks it is pointless. 10. What revelation from Macduff stuns Macbeth? Macduff was “ripped” from his mother’s womb and did not experience a natural birth. 11. Why does Macbeth change his mind and decide to fight Macduff? Macduff could kill him. 12. A) How does Macduff reveal Macbeth’s death to the others? Macduff comes out carrying Macbeth’s head on a pole. B) How is this act symbolic? Macbeth is head of the country; he is the head of evil that has been leading the country astray. 13. Who is the King of Scotland at the play’s conclusion? Malcolm

(END OF STUDY GUIDE)