Macbeth Act 3 Reading Comprehension Check

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.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.11-12.10

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

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.8.3

CCSS.RL.2.6

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.11-12.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

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

CCSS.RL.8.7

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.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.11-12.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

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

CCSS.RL.8.7

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.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.11-12.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

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

CCSS.RL.8.10

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.8.3

CCSS.RL.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

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

• Polixenes
• Hecate
• Macdonwald

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.11-12.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

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

CCSS.RL.8.10

How is Lady Macbeth is feeling about Duncan's death now?

• She's glad that Banquo is about to be killed
• She's unhappy and realizing that the murder wasn't making her content
• She regrets not having killed Donalbain and Malcolm, too
• She's enjoying the destruction of Scotland's joy

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Macbeth sees Banquo’s ghost because he was:

• plagued by guilt
• drunk
• tricked by the thanes
• poisoned by Fleance

What does Macbeth mean in the highlighted lines?

• I am covered in so much blood from Banquo's murder that I must wash before I am discovered.
• I have done so much wrong that taking it all back is just as difficult as moving forward and living with it.
• I have done so much wrong that I must start making the right choices to please God

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.2.6