Macbeth Act 3 Homework Questions
Act 3, Scene 1: Doe one question tonight
Reread Scene 1 out loud before answering these questions.
Add quotations on your word ______________ in your notebook. You will do this for every
scene in Act 3 and 4, so don’t forget.
1.
In class today, we looked at Macbeth’s secret thoughts. Find a place where you can read
out loud without interruption. Take a pencil and hold it in your hand.
Imagine you are Macbeth. Read the long soliloquy out loud (lines 52-77) as if the pencil is
Banquo. Pay attention to what he says and what emotions come out. Then write a page about
how you treated the pencil. I expect thoughtful comments on this question.
2.
Like all tyrants through the ages, Macbeth hires underlings to do his dirty work for him.
Do some research this evening on a present day tyrant. How far did he or she go to gain and
keep power? Write one page on the information you gathered. How is she or he like Macbeth?
Act 3, Scene 2: Do one question tonight
Reread Scene 2 out loud before answering these questions.
Add quotations on your word ______________ in your notebook. You will do this for every
scene in Act 3 and 4, so don’t forget.
1.
What troubles Macbeth in this scene? What troubles Lady Macbeth? What similarities
or differences do you see in their relationship from other scenes in Acts 1 and 2? If you notice a
change, what do you think causes the change? Use quotations and explain them.
2.
Macbeth uses some interesting animal imagery in this scene. Reread lines 15-29, 41-42,
and 44-49. Identify the animal images he uses and discuss why you think he uses them. What
do they reveal about his conflicts and state of mind? Use quotations and explain them.
Act 3, Scene 3 Do one question tonight
Reread Scene 3 out loud before answering these questions.
Add quotations on your word ______________ in your notebook. You will do this for every
scene in Act 3 and 4, so don’t forget.
1.
Banquo dies quickly without a chance for a last speech! Oh, horror! Invent a speech for
the dying Banquo. Write it in Shakespearean style! What would Banquo be thinking as he dies?
Come back to his comments at the beginning of Act 3, Scene 1 for ideas. I’m looking for good
detail that shows your understanding of Banquo’s character.
Act 3, Scene 4: Do two questions. Everybody must answer #1, then do #2 or #3
Reread Scene 4 out loud before answering these questions.
Add quotations on your word ______________ in your notebook. You will do this for every
scene in Act 3 and 4, so don’t forget.
1.
Lady Macbeth said in Act 2, Scene 2, "These deeds must not be thought / After these
ways; so, it will make us mad" (2.2.45-46). What begins to push Macbeth over the edge? Discuss
the change and provide support (i.e. quotations with citations from the scene).
2.
Lennox and Ross are present in the banquet hall. Choose one of them and write down
what they see and think during this scene. What do they think of Macbeth's comments? Lady
Macbeth's comments? What do they discuss after they leave the hall?
3.
Macbeth is the only one in the scene who sees Banquo's ghost. One staging question
remains unanswered: does the Ghost appear on stage when Macbeth is performed? What are the
advantages and disadvantages of having an invisible ghost? If the ghost appears on stage, these
questions need to be answered: what does he look like? What does he wear? How does he
move?
Act 3, Scene 5: No homework questions
Reread Scene 5 out loud before answering these questions.
Add quotations on your word ______________ in your notebook. You will do this for every
scene in Act 3 and 4, so don’t forget.
Act 3, Scene 6: Do both questions.
Reread Scene 6 out loud before answering these questions.
Add quotations on your word ______________ in your notebook. You will do this for every
scene in Act 3 and 4, so don’t forget
.
1.
Lennox and the Lord discuss the state of Scotland. What are their individual opinions on
people and events? What does each one emphasize? Think about what we discussed in class
about tyrants. Remember that you need to be aware of who says what and what they imply! Use
quotations and citations.
2.
Write down one memorable line for each scene in Act 3. Make sure you write down the
line citation.