Honors English 12
MacbethAct III Study Questions
Act III, scene 1
What is Banquo's curious moral position in the play? What does he know that no one else does? What does he do about this knowledge?
What are three reasons for Macbeth wanting Banquo killed?
Identify different ways that Macbeth manipulates the two murderers. Who else in the play manipulates another to get him to commit a murder?
Act III, scene 2
What is Lady Macbeth's state of mind at the beginning of this scene? How does it change when her husband enters? Why?
Why doesn't Macbeth tell his wife about his plan to have Banquo killed?
In this scene both Macbeth and his wife have the same attitude toward Duncan. What is it?
Why does Macbeth tell Lady Macbeth to pay particular attention to Banquo at the feat that night?
Explain the meaning of "Light thickens" at line 50.
Act III, scene 3
Who is the third murderer? Where did he come from? Why is he there?
Act III, scene 4
According to the murderer where on his body was Banquo stabbed?
What reason does Lady Macbeth give at line 55 for her husband's strange behavior? How does she attempt to shake her husband out of his delusion?
In his speech at line 75 how does Macbeth place the murder in a historical sense? What is his frustration in this situation?
What specific line causes Lady Macbeth to break up the party? Why?
Why does Macbeth decide to go back to the three witches? What powerful image describes Macbeth's dilemma in the last 10 lines of this scene?
What does Macbeth mean by "My strange and self-abuse"?
Act III, scene 5
Who is Hecate and what does she say is man's greatest enemy?
Act III, scene 6
How is the perspective of this scene different from that of most of the other scenes?
Why does Lennox use such heavy-handed irony or sarcasm in this scene?
What part of King James' political agenda does Shakespeare push in this scene?