Macbeth Act III Scene i
Lindsay Beach, Riley O’Korn, Jason Fowlkes, Maggie
Hinton, Ryan Frisch, Marshal White
1. Read Lines 1-10. Cite specific dialogue supporting the idea that Banquo is
hopeful about the prediction of the Weird Women
“If there come truth from them - As upon thee, Macbeth, their
speeches shine - Why, by the verities on thee made good, May
they not be my oracles as well, and set me up in hope?” (Act
III Scene i: Lines 6-10) He hopes since the prophecy about
Macbeth came true about him becoming king then the prophecy
about his sons and grandsons becoming king will also become
true.
2. What suspicions does Banquo voice in line three? What does he say that lets
readers know what he suspects?
He thinks Macbeth dishonestly became king. “Thou played’st
most foully for’t.” Banquo believes that Macbeth had cheated
or did something to get the title of king. In modern english
we see Banquo’s suspicion whenever he says, “And I suspect
you cheated to win these titles.”
3. Read lines 15-18. Explain the double meaning that might be intended by
Banquo’s statement that his “duties/ are with a most indissoluble tie/ Forever
knit”.
Banquo says it’s his duty to do whatever the king, now
Macbeth, tells him to do. “Whatever your highness commands me
to do, it is always my duty to do so.”
4. Lines 29-71: What is an example of irony in Macbeth’s dialogue in lines 29-35?
He’s saying that the princes are coming up with lies that
they killed their father even though it was really Macbeth
who killed him. Macbeth is being a hypocrite because he’s
reprimanding them for something that he did.
5. Lines 29-71: What evidence in Macbeth's soliloquy (lines 47-71) explains
Macbeth’s assessment of Banquo? What is revealed about Macbeth’s character?
He sees Banquo as a threat and fears he will try to
take the throne or prove Macbeth guilty. He’s paranoid and
will do anything to keep his power.
6. Lines 65-71: What theme is developed in these lines?
The idea that power can drive you to insanity.
7. Lines 51-76: What doubts does Macbeth say is troubling him?
He killed Duncan for the power only to be passed onto
Banquo’s children, so therefore Macbeth wants to eliminate
Banquo so that he cannot let his children or grandsons become
king.
8. According to Macbeth, why does he himself not kill Banquo? (Lines 130-138)
Macbeth doesn’t want to be a suspect and wants to act
surprised at his death.
Literary Elements
Theme
Power has the ability to drive you to insanity.
Irony
It was ironic that Macbeth wanted Banquo to come back for
the party because he actually wanted him to be murdered.
Imagery
When Macbeth spoke of dogs. He showed how people like dogs
are the same but still different.
Conflict
Macbeth v. Banquo
Macbeth plans to kill Banquo and Banquo is suspicious.
Personification
The second Murderer speak oh how has been kicked around by
the world. Meaning that the world has been cruel to him.