Macbeth Act III

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 6

Why is Macbeth and not Malcolm named king?

1. Duncan changed his will and disowned Malcolm
2. You can't become king if you're gone
3. Macbeth just claimed the throne
4. Malcolm looks guilty after fleeing so the others in court don't trust him anymore

Did you know?

Macbeth is based on a real person who served as King of Scots from 1040 until his death in 1057. Shakespeare’s version of his story, however, is not historically accurate.

King James was said to be a descendant of Banquo. How do you think that would have affected Shakespeare when writing a character he knew would act in front of the King of England and Scotland?

Act III: Climax

Watch Act III and consider the following questions:

• How do Macbeth and Banquo feel about each other at this point? How do we know?
  
• What (else) can we say about these characters: Banquo, Fleance, Macduff, and Malcolm?
  
• What is Macbeth hallucinating now? 

If you need help, read the detailed summaries of the original play here.

Watch movie from 1:00:43 - 1:33:45 (33 minutes)

Why is Banquo unhappy?

1. He wants to be king
2. He thinks that Macbeth might be a murderer
3. He doesn't like to be 'less than Macbeth.'
4. He misses Duncan

What does Macbeth hire three men to do?

1. Protect him and his wife
2. Kill Macduff and his family
3. Find the witches so he can talk to them
4. Kill Banquo and his son

Does Lady Macbeth think this murder of Banquo and his son are necessary?

1. No, but she is glad to help if Macbeth wants to do it
2. Yes, she thinks business isn't done until they are dead
3. She's not sure and thinks better safe than sorry (so kill them)
4. She is against it and tries to stop Macbeth

Why is Macbeth so happy at the beginning of the feast?

1. He believes that both Banquo and Fleance are dead.
2. He's pleased to see his guests.
3. Lady Macbeth has told him to be more cheerful.
4. He wants to enjoy the food and wine.

How does Macbeth feel about Fleance getting away unharmed?

1. It's not a big deal to him
2. It's okay because now he can blame Banquo's death on Fleance
3. He feels like Fleance's escape makes him extra vulnerable
4. It confirms his suspicion that the witches are lying to him

Why does Macbeth become pale and start trembling?

1. He is ill.
2. He knows that Fleance is still alive.
3. He sees the ghost of Banquo
4. There's nowhere for him to sit.

How does Lady Macbeth explain her husband's insane behaviour at the banquet?

1. She says he's sleepwalking
2. She says he is just tired from trying to save Banquo from 3 murderers
3. She says he was poisoned
4. She says it's okay because Macbeth has had weird visions since childhood

Why does Macduff go to England?

1. To ask King Edward for help in fighting Macbeth
2. To hide from Macbeth
3. To visit his grandparents
4. To talk to the king of Denmark

Who will be on the throne of Scotland at the end of this book? What do you expect?

1. Fleance
2. Macbeth
3. Macduff
4. Malcolm