MACBETH Acts III & IV

Why does Macbeth want Banquo and Fleance dead?

• He knows they suspect him. He is furious that he has done the work to become king, and Banquo's descendants will benefit

• He thinks they suspect him, and that they may try to kill Lady Macbeth in retaliation.

• He is afraid they will try to bring Malcom and Donalbain back and make one of them king instead

• He has gone crazy and wants to kill anyone associated with Duncan

How does Lady Macbeth cover for Macbeth at the banquet?

• She tells the guests he often has fits. When he really gets out of hand she sends the guests home.

• She pretends to be ill and convinces him to go to their chambers. She asks Macduff to entertain the guests.

• She says he is still grieving for Duncan. She gives him wine to quiet him, and she hosts the banquet.

• She laughs and says he is in high spirits. She encourages the others to make merry with her and Macbeth.

Who else was missing from the banquet table besides Banquo?

• Lady Macbeth

• Macbeth

• Macduff

• Lennox

What does Macbeth mean at the end of Act 3, scene 4, when he says,

"I am in blood

Stepped in so far that should I wade no more,

Returning were as tedious as go o'er."

• He is sorry for what he did and will have to give up the throne

• He is committed to his course of action whatever he has to do.

• He is still alive and intends to stay that way

• He does not want to return to see the room where he killed Duncan

At the start of Act IV, the Second Witch says,

"By the pricking of my thumb,

Something wicked this way comes."

Who arrives?

• Banquo's ghost

• Macbeth

• Donalbain

• Hecate

What is Macbeth's attitude towards the witches when he comes back to hear his fortune?

• He is demanding, and he tries to take charge

• He is scared and full of remorse

• He is kind and considerate, trying to get them to help him

• He is rude, saying he has no further need of them

The witches show Macbeth "an armored head" (the face of someone wearing a helmet). What does it tell Macbeth?

• Banquo's descendants would be kings

• Macbeth should beware of Macduff

• He would not be vanquished until Birnam Wood would come to Dunsinane

• He would not be harmed by anyone "born of woman."

When the witches show Macbeth "a bloody child" what do they tell Macbeth?

• He would not be vanquished until Birnam Wood would come to Dunsinane

• Macbeth should beware of Macduff

• Banquo's descendants would be kings

• He would not be harmed by anyone "born of woman."

When the witches show Macbeth "a child wearing a crown and holding a small tree in each hand" what do they tell Macbeth?

• Banquo's descendants would be kings

• Macbeth should beware of Macduff

• He would not be harmed by anyone "born of woman."

• He would not be vanquished until Birnam Wood would come to Dunsinane

Where is Macduff?

• He is keeping vigil over Duncan's grave

• He has fled to France

• He is in England helping Malcom

• He has barricaded himself in his room at the castle