Name:
Date:
Castillo
English IV
Macbeth
Macbeth Act III Questions (25 points)
I. Before Reading (1 point)
1. Macbeth has murdered Duncan and Duncan’s two servants/guards. What do you think his next
move will be? Explain.
II. During Reading (1 point each)
Scene 1
2. Macbeth asks three important questions in lines 18-35. What are the three questions, and why are
they important?
3. Why has Banquo done nothing about his suspicions of Macbeth?
4. Why does Macbeth fear Banquo?
5. What do you think the murderers mean in lines 108-114?
6. What are Macbeth’s instructions to the murderers?
7. In what ways have Macbeth’s view of murder changed since he killed Duncan? How could this
changed view contribute to his downfall as the tragic hero?
Scene 2
8. What images are present in lines 40-55? What mood do the images suggest?
9. How have both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth changed?
Scene 3
11. The deaths of the traitors (Macdonwald and Cawdor) and the first three murders (Duncan and
his two servants/guards) are all committed offstage. Why is the death of Banquo committed
onstage?
12. What turning point does the line “Fly, good Fleance, fly, fly, fly!” present for Macbeth?
Scene 4
13. Why is the line “But Banquo’s safe?” ironic? Explain.
14. Explain lines 29-31.
15. In what ways does the interaction between Ross, Lennox, and Macbeth (lines 44-49) mark the
beginning of Macbeth’s actual deterioration?
16. Who is Macbeth talking to in lines 50-51? In what way are his words true?
17. What conclusion is Macbeth drawing about Macduff in lines128-132?
Scene 5
18. Why is Macbeth “wayward” (lines 10-14) in Hecate’s eyes?
2
19. Look back at Hecate’s monologue. What draws Macbeth “on to his confusion”? What will cause
him to continue down his destructive path?
Scene 6
20. What opinion do Lennox and the other lord hold of Macbeth? What do Malcolm and Macduff
plan to do? Provide direct evidence.
III. After Reading (5 points)
21. What title would you give to Act III? Your title should be a direct quote from Act III. Explain your
choice.
3