MACBETH Act III Comprehension Questions
1. Actors’ Interpretations…
In attempting not to put Banquo on his guard, Macbeth engages in “innocent” conversation. However,
he still manages to insert 3 CRUCIAL questions and highly significant questions:
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Ride you this afternoon?(19)
Is’t far you ride? (23)
Goes Fleance with you? (35)
Beside each question, document what you believe would be going through Macbeth’s head when he is
asking these very questions. Think about how, in stage performance, an actor may do to disguise
Macbeth’s intentions?
2. The “ROYAL WE” – Shakespeare’s Language
Re-read lines 11-47 and then pick out all of the occasions in which Macbeth and his wife – now King and
Queen – use the royal plural. In what way does this (a) show a view of themselves as Act 3 begins and
(B) in few cases, Macbeth uses the singular – why should this be?
3. The 3rd Solilioquy – Outline all of the reasons that Macbeth offers as to why Banquo must be killed.
What else does Macbeth’s soliloquy reveal about himself?
4. Love and Marriage…Love and Marriage...
In scene 2, the audience begins to see a change in the relationship between Macbeth and Lady
Macbeth. Outline (using specific line references) and the inference you draw from their words that
show the change in their relationship.
5. SCENE IV – The markings of Macbeth’s downfall...
With a partner, stage the banquet scene. In your notebooks, draw out what you believe would be
effective staging to ensure that the following occurs:
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There are four names characters
“Everyone” has to have a seat at the banqueting table
Macbeth has to talk with the Murderers and not be overheard by the lords
The seat to the left of Macbeth must be very visible to the audience
Banquo’s ghost has to be able to enter and exit very easily
What is IRONIC about Banquo’s ghost? Look at Macbeth’s reaction to the ghost (47-51, 69-73, 93-96)
and discuss what it is that he seems to find particularly terrifying in the ghost’s appearance and
behavior.
6. To Admit...or not to Admit...the question behind the validity of Act 3, scene 6
Some people have suggested that this scene is not written by Shakespeare, partly because the verse is
different, and that it might have been added because of because the Witches had proved very popular
with audiences. How does the scene contribute to the play in reference to...
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THE PLOT –
THE SUPERNATURAL ATMOSPHERE –
OUR UNDERSTANDING OF MACBETH –
OUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE WITCHES and THEIR MOTIVATION –
7. Way over yonder...
The discussion between Lenox and the Lord has a strong IRONIC tone to it. What evidence is there that
would suggest this? What is the dramatic purpose of this scene – what is further revealed about (a)
Macbeth’s next victims and (b) the relationship between Macbeth and Macduff?