Macbeth: Act 3

Why does Macbeth decide to murder Banquo?

• The witches predicted that Banquo's son would become king.
• He believes that Banquo wants to kill him and become king himself.
• He knows that Banquo wants King Duncan’s sons to become king.
• He knows that Banquo wants him to stand trial for killing King Duncan.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.5

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.10. RL.11-12.10

Before the banquet, Macbeth becomes unhappy and distracted. Lady Macbeth says to him, “Gentle my lord, sleek o’er your rugged looks; / Be bright and jovial among your guests tonight.” What does she mean?

• Be careful. Your guests are angry and not to be trusted.
• Don’t look so gloomy. Be cheerful with your guests.
• You look very rugged. Go clean up before seeing your guests.
• Don’t be so rough with people. They are your guests, not your enemies.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Why does Macbeth begin to act so oddly at the banquet?

• He has had too much to drink.
• He has been unable to sleep.
• He has become sick.
• He sees the ghost of Banquo.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

The murderer appears at the banquet to report to Macbeth. He says that Banquo is dead but not his son Fleance. Macbeth says in an aside, “the worm that’s fled / Hath nature that in time will venom breed, / No teeth for th’ present.” What does Macbeth mean?

• Fleance is a weak person whom he does not fear.
• Fleance is not a danger to him now, but he will become one later.
• Fleance is an evil person but no one to fear.
• Fleance is a coward for not staying to defend his father.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.6.10

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.10

At the end of Act III, Macbeth plans to visit the witches once more. What does he want to learn?

• What troubles are still in store for him.
• Why they did not tell him he would have to kill Banquo.
• Why they prophesied that he would be king.
• Where Macduff is hiding.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.10

CCSS.RL.6.10

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.7

How has Macbeth changed between the beginning of Act I and the end of Act III?

• He has gained the respect and loyalty of his friends.
• He no longer hesitates to use betrayal to achieve his ends.
• He no longer doubts his ability to rule justly.
• He no longer regrets having killed King Duncan.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

When Macbeth says “Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown / And put a barren scepter in my gripe . . .” he means

• He will be prosecuted for his crimes.
• He and Lady Macbeth have many children.
• He has no male children.
• He has no right to be king.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.5.10

CCSS.RL.5.5

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.8.10

What is the name of the witch leader/ goddess who was upset at what the witches had done?

• Polixenes
• Hecate
• Macdonwald

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.7

Which best summarizes Banquo's main point in this soliloquy?

• Macbeth only became king because of his great speaking ability; I have no hope to become king.
• Macbeth will kill me before my son becomes king; I must be careful and watch him.
• The witches were right about Macbeth (even if he cheated to get the crown); surely they must be right about me, too.
• The witches are only trying to lure me with hope; I will go speak with them to make sure they're truthful.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.5.5

CCSS.RL.6.10

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.10. RL.11-12.10

What does Macbeth tell them to do about Banquo's son, Fleance?

• To embrace him and take care of him
• To let him escape because he's too young
• To kidnap him and hold him for ransom
• To kill him, too

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.5

CCSS.RL.7.7

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.10