• Act III discussion questions
Act III, scene 1, lines 1-10
• In lines 2-3 what does Banquo think about
Macbeth?
• In lines 8-10 why does Banquo believe
that his children will be kings?
Act III, scene 1, lines 54-65
• Why does Macbeth perceive Banquo as a
threat?
Act III, scene 1, lines 75-140
• Who does Macbeth talk to in these lines?
Act III, scene 1, lines 76-79
• Lines 76-79--What is the main idea of
Macbeth’s speech to them?
Act III, scene 1, lines 108-114
• Lines 108-114—how do they describe
themselves?
Act III, scene 1, lines
• Lines 116-140—Exactly what has Macbeth
asked them to do?
Act III, scene 2, lines 27-28
• “Gentle my lord, sleek o'er your rugged
looks; / Be bright and jovial among your
guests to-night.”
• How does Lady Macbeth describe her
husband in these lines?
• What does she tell him to do?
• Which theme is represented here?
Act III, scene 2, line 36
• “O, full of scorpions is my mind, dear wife!”
• Explain the metaphor Macbeth uses in this
line.
Act III, scene 2, line 45-46
• “Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest
chuck, / Till thou applaud the deed.”
• How is Macbeth protecting his wife in this
line?
• How does this contrast with earlier events
in the play?
Act III, scene 3, lines 1-4
• What does the presence of the mysterious
third murderer tell us about Macbeth?
Act III, scene 3, lines 17-18
• Lines 17-18: what does Banquo tell
Fleance to do?
Act III, scene 3
• All of scene 3: do the murderers fulfill
Macbeth’s instructions?
Act III, scene 4, lines 30-32
• Lines 30-32 Why does Macbeth fear
Fleance?
Act III, scene 4, lines 33-38
• What does Lady Macbeth urge Macbeth to
do in lines 33-38?
Act III, scene 4, lines 47-52
• Line 47-52—what does Macbeth see at
the banquet? How does he respond to it?
Act III, scene 4, lines
• Lines 54-59—how does Lady Macbeth
explain Macbeth’s behavior?
Act III, scene 4, lines 86-93
• What is the purpose of Macbeth’s speech
in lines 86-93?
Act III, scene 4, lines 129-133
• Who is suspiciously absent from
Macbeth’s banquet?
• How will Macbeth find out about this
absent person?
Act III, scene 4, lines 133-136
• What else does Macbeth plan to do the
next day?
Act III, scene 5, lines 3-9
• Lines 3-9—Why is Hecate angry with the
other witches?
Act III, scene 5, lines 10-13
• Lines 10-13—What does she think of
Macbeth?
Act III, scene 5, lines 30-33
• Lines 30-33—What will Hecate do to
Macbeth? What truth about human nature
does she express?
Act III, scene 6, lines 1-20
• Lines 1-20—Does Lennox literally mean
the words he says? Why or why not?
Act III, scene 6, lines 24-35
• Lines 24-35—According to the Lord,
where has Macduff gone, and why?
Act III, scene 6, lines
• Lines 37-39—What is Macbeth preparing
for?