Name
Date
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Macbeth

Act 3 Questions

1. Act 3: As this act opens, Banquo, alone on stage, makes a startling revelation of his innermost fears. What does he think/suspect?

2. By the opening of Act III, Banquo has grown suspicious of Macbeth: “I fear Thou play’dst most foully for ‘t…” What motivates Banquo to keep these thoughts to himself?

3. “To be thus is nothing, but to be safely thus,” reveals Macbeth’s suspicions of Banquo. Why is Macbeth, now king, afraid of Banquo?

4. Why does Macbeth not reveal his plans for Banquo to Lady Macbeth?

5. What questions does Macbeth ask Banquo that ensure his location right before the banquet? List three questions Macbeth asks.

6. On what pretense does Macbeth hire the murderers to eliminate Banquo? What story does he tell them?

7. Macbeth says, “The worm that’s fled Hath nature that in time will venom breed, No teeth for the present.” What does that mean?

8. Why is Macbeth adamant that Fleance must also die?

9. Macbeth says, “I am in blood Stepped in so far that should I wade no more, Returning were as tedious as go o’er.” What does that mean?

10. Who (what) did Macbeth see at the banquet table?

11. Who else is missing from the banquet table (besides Banquo)?

12. How does Lady Macbeth cover up for Macbeth at the banquet? What excuses does she give for his wild talk?

13. What does Hecate want the witches to do?

14. What does Lennox think about Macbeth, Fleance, and Duncan’s sons?

15. Why does Macbeth decide to go back to the witches?