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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

• Polixenes
• Hecate
• Macdonwald

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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.

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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

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