ACT 3, scenes 1 and 2: What is happening to the relationship between
MACBETH and LADY MACBETH???
YOUR NAME ____________
In Act 3, scene 1, we see Macbeth, the new king of Scotland. He should be happy but instead is
preoccupied with anxiety about Banquo, who perhaps knows too much, and whose descendants may one
day be kings. Macbeth coolly plots more murders, this time using assassins.
In Act 3, scene 2, we see Lady Macbeth who has a VERY short soliloquy. “Naught’s had…” (4 lines). Then we see a
private moment between Lady Macbeth and Macbeth. The achievement of their goal has left them dissatisfied
and fearful, het also greedy to hold on to their power. In that relationship, who is more in control now ?
READ SCENE 2 by yourself, using the notes on the left-hand side for help. THEN answer the following questions
with a partner. Put his or her name here ______________________________.
1.
Lady Macbeth has a very short soliloquy: “Naught’s had, all’s spent, Where our desire is got without
content. “Tis safer to be that which we destroy Than by destruction dwell in doubtful joy.” The word
“naught” means “nothing”. Explain in two full sentences how Lady Macbeth is feeling now about
murdering King Duncan, using some of the words of that short soliloquy to aid you.
2.
Remember scene 1 of Act 3? What is Macbeth planning to do with Banquo? ____________________
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3.
When Macbeth enters the room in scene 2 and speaks with Lady Macbeth, what is his attitude about
killing King Duncan?
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4.
Lady Macbeth then says to Macbeth: “Come on, Gentle my lord, sleek o’er your rugged looks, Be bright
and jovial among your guests tonight.” In other words, what is she saying to him? ___________________
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5.
Read Macbeth’s response to her about how she should behave to Banquo. THEN read your answer to #2
question above. Who is NOW more in control of the events that will happen? __________________.
Explain your answer.
6.
What does Macbeth mean when he says “O full of scorpions is my mind, dear wife!” Explain how this
metaphor shows his state of mind
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7.
One of the major motifs in this play is “Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under’t.” In this
short scene (Act 3, scene 2), there are two more lines that show that idea of pretending, one said by LM
and the other by M. Give one example here: _______________________________________________
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How do Macbeth’s interactions with his wife in this scene differ from those in earlier scenes?
8.
ACT 3, scenes 1 and 2: What is happening to the relationship between
MACBETH and LADY MACBETH???
YOUR NAME ____________
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