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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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