Ms. Park English 10
Term 4 Spring 2010
Name:
MACBETH: ACT III STUDY QUESTIONS
Use a separate piece of paper. For the questions below do the following:
1. Answer the questions in complete sentences. 2. Attempt to locate support for your answers within the text.
3. USE CITATIONS FOR EACH ANSWER!
SCENE i
1. What are Banquo’s concerns about Macbeth?
2. What is Macbeth’s manner in questioning Banquo? What questions does Macbeth ask Banquo? Why?
3. What concerns does Macbeth have about the witches prophesy, Banquo, and Banquo’s sons?
4. According to Macbeth, why is Banquo the murderers’ enemy?
5. What seems to be the murderers’ primary reason for agreeing to kill Banquo and Fleance?
SCENE ii
6. How have Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, and their relationship changed since the murder of Duncan?
- Please specify at least three ways their relationship has changed since the murder and make sure to EXPLAIN EACH ONE!
SCENE iii
13. What does Banquo exclaim as the murderers come upon him? Why is this word significant?
14. What happened to Fleance and how do the murderers take this?
SCENE iv
7. How does Macbeth react when he sees Banquo’s ghost?
8. How does Lady Macbeth try to cover-up or excuse Macbeth’s reaction?
9. How does Lady Macbeth criticize Macbeth when she addresses him privately?
10. What becomes clear to Macbeth’s guests?
11. What comments does Macbeth make to Lady Macbeth about Macduff and the weird sisters?
12. Explain the following lines:
“I am in blood / Stepped in so far that, should I wade no more, / Returning were as tedious as go o’er.”
SCENE v
13. Note the rhyming and Shakespeare’s style change with Hecate’s speach. Also note the meter change and the song-like quality of
Hecate’s speech.
a. Give me 2 examples of lines that end in rhyme and cite them.
b. What is the purpose of Hecate’s speech?
14. Who is Hecate? What does she want?
15. Explain the following lines: “And you all know, security / Is mortals’ greatest enemy.”
SCENE VI
16. What is Lennox’s attitude toward the murders of Duncan and Banquo?
17. Where are Malcolm and Macduff? Why?