Macbeth Act 3

How does Macbeth attempt to solve a problem in Act III?

• He tries to get past his guilt for Duncan’s murder by admitting what he has done.

• He attempts to have Banquo and Fleance killed to end a line of future kings.

• He returns to visit the witches a second time because the prophecy is not working.

• He resolves to have all of his opponents murdered because he feels insecure in his power.

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How does Macbeth’s guilt become apparent at the banquet?

• Lady Macbeth must speak for him.

• He feels ill and has to leave early.

• He sees the ghost of Banquo.

• He confesses his crimes to the gathering.

At the end of Act III, Macduff has traveled to England to —

• hide in safety as he fears for his life

• find Malcolm and return him to Scotland

• pursue the men he believes murdered Duncan

• ask the king for help in dealing with Macbeth

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In Act III of Macbeth, why does Macbeth feel threatened by Banquo, and what does his decision to hire murderers suggest about his character?

• Macbeth fears Banquo due to his bravery and military skills, and hiring murderers suggests Macbeth's strategic thinking and desire to maintain power.

• Macbeth feels threatened by Banquo because of the witches' prophecy that Banquo's descendants will be kings, and his hiring of murderers shows his desperation and deepening tyranny.

• Macbeth is jealous of Banquo’s popularity among the nobles, and by hiring murderers, he demonstrates his tactical approach to remove any obstacles to his rule.

• Macbeth fears Banquo's knowledge of the witches’ prophecies and potential disloyalty, and his action of hiring murderers reveals his paranoia and insecurity about holding onto the throne.

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How has Duncan's murder impacted the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth as depicted in Act III, Scene 2 of Macbeth?

• The murder has brought them closer, as they now share a common secret and must work together to secure their power.

• The murder has created distance between them, with Macbeth isolating himself and Lady Macbeth feeling neglected and worried.

• The murder has made their relationship more affectionate and supportive, as they comfort each other over their shared guilt.

• The murder has had no noticeable effect on their relationship; they continue as they were before without any changes in their dynamic.

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What does Fleance’s escape suggest about the witches’ prophecy in Act III of Macbeth?

• Fleance’s escape suggests that the prophecy about Banquo’s descendants is likely to come true, as it prevents Macbeth from stopping Banquo’s line from potentially ruling in the future.

• Fleance's escape indicates that the prophecy is unreliable and may not come true, as it shows that Macbeth can alter the course of events predicted by the witches.

• Fleance’s escape undermines the witches’ prophecy by showing that Macbeth has control over the royal succession, not supernatural forces.

• Fleance's escape has no significant impact on the prophecy; it simply prolongs the inevitable fulfillment of the witches' words without challenging their authenticity.

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In Act III, Scene 4 of Macbeth, what does Banquo’s ghost represent, and how does its presence affect Lady Macbeth’s behavior, despite her inability to see it?

• Banquo’s ghost represents Macbeth’s guilt and paranoia, and its presence causes Lady Macbeth to become more controlling and desperate to maintain normalcy at the banquet.

• The ghost symbolizes justice for Banquo’s murder, and it makes Lady Macbeth feel vindicated in her actions, strengthening her resolve to support Macbeth.

• Banquo's ghost signifies the supernatural consequences of Macbeth's actions, leading Lady Macbeth to question their decisions and become fearful of the future.

• The ghost is a symbol of the past coming back to haunt Macbeth, and Lady Macbeth remains unaffected by it, focusing instead on the political ramifications of the banquet.

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In Act III, Scene 4 of Macbeth, lines 135–140, what realization does Macbeth have, and how does this speech indicate a change in his attitude compared to his previous feelings about his actions?

• Macbeth realizes that his position as king is secure and unchallengeable, reflecting a newfound confidence compared to his earlier fears and uncertainties.

• Macbeth recognizes that his actions have alienated him from God, showing a shift from his earlier disregard for the moral consequences of his deeds.

• Macbeth understands that he has initiated a cycle of violence that will require more violence to maintain his power, indicating a shift from his initial reluctance to commit murder.

• Macbeth sees that he can trust his allies completely, contrasting with his previous suspicions and paranoia about those around him.

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What does Banquo fear at the beginning of Act 3?

• The witches were wrong

• His son Fleance is in danger

• Macbeth got the title of king through devious means

• That his future generations will suffer

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Why do the murderers agree to help Macbeth?

• They have nothing to lose

• Banquo has stolen from them

• Macbeth threatened their lives

• They fear the trials of the world if they refuse

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