“To be thus is nothing, but to be safely thus” (III.i.48).

Name: ______Date: ______Period: ______

Macbeth Act IIIStudy/Discussion Guide

Literary Elements:

Conflict:

External Conflict:

Internal Conflict:

Climax:

Dramatic Irony:

Vocabulary:

Indissoluble:

Dauntless:

Jocund:

Infirmity:

Malevolence:

Questions:

  1. Consider Banquo’s speech in lines 1-10. What threat does he pose to Macbeth? What does Banquo suspect about Macbeth?
  1. In lines 13-18 Macbeth invites Banquo to a feast, and Banquo pledges loyalty. How sincere do you think they are? What do you think might be motivating Macbeth to query Banquo about his ride in line 23?
  1. Who is Macbeth referring to when he mentions “our bloody cousins” in line 29? Remember for Elizabethans cousins refer to kinsmen and do not necessarily have to be cousins.
  1. What are the two distinct issues Macbeth voices in his soliloquy? (lines 48-70)
  1. What can you infer from Macbeth’s speech in lines 75-84 to the murderers?
  1. What do you think his motivation is for doing this?
  1. Why does Macbeth fear Banquo?
  1. What conflict does Macbeth express in lines 116-126? Why can’t Macbeth himself kill Banquo?
  1. How do you interpret (scene ii) lines 4-7, beginning with “Nought’s had, all’s spent?” Paraphrase these four lines. How do these reflect a turning point for Lady Macbeth?
  1. Shakespeare compares sleep and death frequently throughout the play. In Act II Scene ii recall when Macbeth says “Sleep no more! Macbeth has murdered sleep.” In lines 13-26 Shakespeare uses the comparison again. Now who is resting peacefully and “sleeping” and who will never sleep well again?
  1. In lines 13-15 what metaphor does Macbeth use to represent danger that has not been removed?
  1. What is ironic about Macbeth telling Lady Macbeth that they must disguise their real feelings about Banquo when they see him?
  1. To what specific action do you think Macbeth is referring in lines 45-56? Why do you think he is keeping his plans from Lady Macbeth?
  1. What happens in Act III scene iii?
  1. Why does Fleance’s escape create an external conflict for Macbeth?
  1. Some scholars believe the climax of the play occurs with the stage directions “Exit Fleance.” Why is his escape important to the drama?
  1. Other scholars believe that the climax is line 21 when Macbeth discovers that Fleance escapes. What do you think? Support your answer.
  1. Where is the dramatic irony in the conversation Macbeth has with his guests?
  1. How might you connect Macbeth’s agitation with his knowledge that Fleance has escaped?
  1. How does the incident with Banquo’s ghost convey Macbeth’s inner conflict?
  1. Do Lady Macbeth’s remarks in this scene suggest that she, too, sees the ghost? Why or why not?
  1. Why will Macbeth visit the weird sisters again?
  1. As you read scene vi look for subtle comments that let the audience know that Lennox and the other lord are not as fond of Macbeth as they seem. On the back paraphrase one or two and comment on how they indicate their growing suspicions.
  1. What does Lennox say that lets us know that he believes Duncan’s sons are innocent?
  1. What word do both men use (see lines 22-26) that indicates their true feelings about Macbeth?
  1. How does the second lord’s description of England’s Edward let us know that this lord feels that Duncan’s son is innocent?