MACBETH STUDY GUIDE
Name: _____________________
Hour: ______________
Act
III
Macbeth plans to overturn the witches' prophecy that Banquo's sons will become
kings by sending two murderers to kill both Banquo and his son, Fleance. (i.) Macbeth
no longer needs Lady Macbeth's involvement and bids her be "innocent of the
knowledge" of his decisions. (ii.) A third murderer, obviously not known by the other
two, joins them, and although Banquo is slain, Fleance escapes. (iii.)
At the banquet, Macbeth is terrified by the bloody ghost of Banquo. Since no one else
sees the apparition, Lady Macbeth attempts to excuse his behavior and eventually
has to end the banquet. Macbeth determines to visit the witches again. (iv.)
Suspicion of Macbeth is mounting, and Macduff joins Malcolm in England. (vi.)
Scene I
1. At the beginning of this scene, Banquo is giving a speech. What threat does
Banquo pose to Macbeth? Why do you think he has kept the information about
the witches to himself?
Banquo is suspicious—he knew the prophesy and could tell others.
Banquo’s sons are part of the prophesy.
2. What does the First Murderer mean in line 92 when he says, “We are men”?
As men, they would not allow themselves to be disrespected. The outrage
cannot go unpunished (echoes Lady Macbeth).
Scene II
3. From lines 4-7 of this scene, what has Lady Macbeth realized about her actions?
How might this be a turning point for her character?
Nothing is gained if still unhappy—
Paid a huge price –
Shows she is beginning to doubt their actions.
4. Who does Macbeth feel is getting better sleep than he is at this point? What
would cause him to say this?
The dead king Duncan sleeps better than Macbeth who continues to be
robbed of sleep because of his guilt for committing such an unholy action.
5. Why do you think Macbeth creates a plan without letting Lady Macbeth in on it?
No longer needs her help. She tells him to let nature take its course and not
to do anything.
6. Dramatic irony occurs when actions/ words of characters take on a different
meaning than intended. What is the irony behind Macbeth’s comments about
disguising the couple’s real conflict with Banquo?
Macbeth tells Lady Macbeth they need to disguise their feelings, but she
doesn’t know he is plotting Banquo’s murder.
Scene III
7. What is significant about the addition of a Third Murderer in this scene? (What is
this saying about Macbeth perhaps?)
Shows Macbeth’s mistrust and paranoia.
8. How does Fleance’s escape create an external conflict for Macbeth?
Fleance is a witness and could identify the murderers who could lead it back
to Macbeth. Also, Fleance could fulfill the prophesy and become king (in
which case, he could remove Macbeth from the throne).
Scene IV
9. In lines 41-42, where is the dramatic irony in Macbeth’s conversation with his
guests?
Macbeth says he wished Banquo was present, but we already know he had
him killed. He also says “honorable” men are here…the murderers?
himself?
10. What do Macbeth’s comments on page 353 reveal about his view of murder?
Murder is not civilized but not evil either
Seeing the ghost bothers him more than fearing for his soul
11. How does the incident with Banquo’s ghost convey Macbeth’s inner conflict?
Shows his guilt, paranoia ..
He appears when his name is mentioned
12. Do Lady Macbeth’s comments suggest that she, too, sees the ghost? Why or why
not?
No—she says he looks upon a stool
She seems embarrassed by his behavior
She makes excuses for his actions (chronic childhood disease)
She probably thinks this is his guilt over Duncan because she doesn’t know
Banquo has been murdered.
13. Why do you think Lady Macbeth covers up for Macbeth?
Her future and security is staked along with his. She must keep the secret of
Duncan’s murder because she is implicated and his gains/losses are hers
14. Look at lines 131-141 and 143-145. How do you know that Macbeth already
doesn’t trust anyone?
Pays servants in houses to spy
1.
2.
3.
TARGETS
Recognize cause/ effect of a character’s actions. (3.1.2)
Identify how soliloquy, dialogue, and dramatic irony reveal characters. (3.2.3)
Understand and apply author’s themes of ambition and chaos vs. order. (3.1.9 )
15. How could lines 136-139 mark a turning point in Macbeth’s inner conflict?
Point of no return
He has gone too far to turn back and must protect himself and his throne at
any cost
16. How does Macbeth’s attitude hint at how his conflicts will be resolved?
More will be murdered
No longer seems guilty or fearful of the consequences
Scene V and VI
17. What does Lennox, a nobleman, say to let us know that he believes Duncan’s sons
are innocent?
Doesn’t want Duncan’s sons within Macbeth’s reach or power. Nor Fleance
or Macduff.
18. What words do both Lennox and Lord use that tells us their true feelings about
Macbeth?
Tyrant (l. 22, l. 23).
Implies he usurped the throne and rules unjustly
19. How does the Second Lord’s description of England’s Edward let us know that
this lord, too, feels that Duncan’s sons are innocent?
Calls him pious and holy –on the side of right and good
Taking in Duncan’s son shows he believes his innocence
20. What coming actions and events can you predict from the information given in
lines 356-357?
Macbeth may try to kill Macduff. Macbeth will soon face an English army
and unhappy Scots in battle.
21. What does Act III, taken as a whole, suggest about the effects of evil on the
evildoers themselves? Explain.
The evil-doer becomes calloused and no longer feels guilt or love.
Evil is never finished
1.
2.
3.
TARGETS
Recognize cause/ effect of a character’s actions. (3.1.2)
Identify how soliloquy, dialogue, and dramatic irony reveal characters. (3.2.3)
Understand and apply author’s themes of ambition and chaos vs. order. (3.1.9 )