Act III, Scene ii takes place shortly after in the Palace. Lady Macbeth and Macbeth are having a discussion.

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1 Macbeth Act III Act III, Scene i takes place in the palace. Banquo is alone. He is thinking about how the witches prophecies have come true, and he believes that Macbeth has had a part in it. Macbeth enters and asks Banquo if he plans to attend their dinner that evening. After confirming that Banquo and his son Fleance will be riding together, Macbeth bids Banquo goodbye. MACBETH. To be thus (1) is nothing, but (2) to be safely thus Our fears in Banquo stick deep, 50 And in his royalty of nature reigns that Which would be feared. Tis much he dares; And, to (3) that dauntless temper of his mind, He hath a wisdom that doth guide his valor To act in safety. There is none but he 55 Whose being I do fear: and under him My genius is rebuked, (4) as it is said Mark Antony s was by Caesar. He chid (5) the sisters, When first they put the name of King upon me, And bade them speak to him; then prophetlike 60 They hailed him father to a line of kings. Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown And put a barren scepter in my gripe, (6) Thence to be wrenched with an unlineal hand, No son of mine succeeding. If t be so, 65 For Banquo s issue have I filed (7) my mind; For them the gracious Duncan have I murdered; Put rancors in the vessel of my peace Only for them, and mine eternal jewel (8) Given to the common enemy of man, (9) 70 To make them kings, the seeds of Banquo kings! Two men enter. They are hired murderers. Macbeth has convinced them that whatever miseries they have suffered were Banquo s fault. The men want revenge on Banquo. Macbeth says that Banquo is also his enemy. He wants the murderers to kill Banquo without other people knowing he was involved. He also wants them to kill Banquo s son, Fleance.

2 Act III, Scene ii takes place shortly after in the Palace. Lady Macbeth and Macbeth are having a discussion. LADY MACBETH. Nought s had, all s spent, 5 Where our desire is got without content: Tis safer to be that which we destroy Than by destruction dwell in doubtful joy. [Enter MACBETH.] How now, my lord! Why do you keep alone, Of sorriest fancies your companions making, 10 Using those thoughts which should indeed have died With them they think on? Things without all remedy Should be without regard: what s done is done. MACBETH. We have scotched (10) the snake, not killed it: She ll close (11) and be herself, whilst our poor malice 15 Remains in danger of her former tooth. (12) But let the frame of things disjoint, (13) both the worlds (14) suffer, Ere we will eat our meal in fear, and sleep In the affliction of these terrible dreams That shake us nightly: better be with the dead. Whom we, to gain our peace, have sent to peace, Than on the torture of the mind to lie In restless ecstasy. (15) Duncan is in his grave; After life s fitful fever he sleeps well. Treason has done his worst: nor steel, nor poison, 25 Malice domestic, foreign levy, (16) nothing, Can touch him further. Lady Macbeth tells her husband to put on a happier face for their dinner guests. Macbeth then asks her to give special praise to Banquo that night. MACBETH. So shall I, love; and so, I pray, be you: 30 Let your remembrance apply to Banquo; Present him eminence, (17) both with eye and tongue:

3 Unsafe the while, that we must lave (18) Our honors in these flattering streams And make our faces vizards (19) to our hearts, Disguising what they are. Macbeth then tells his wife to be cheerful. He tells her that an evil deed will be done that night. She asks him what will happen. MACBETH. Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck, (20) Till thou applaud the deed. Come, seeling (21) night, Scarf up (22) the tender eye of pitiful day, And with thy bloody and invisible hand Cancel and tear to pieces that great bond (23) 50 Which keeps me pale! Light thickens, and the crow Makes wing to th rooky (24) wood. Good things of day begin to droop and drowse, Whiles night s black agents to their preys do rouse. Act III, Scene iii takes place outside the palace, later that day.the two murderers are waiting for Banquo and Fleance. A third man, whom they do not know, joins the murderers. He says Macbeth sent him. They hear a sound, and they see Banquo and Fleance in the distance. They attack and murder Banquo. Fleance escapes. Act III, Scene iv takes place shortly afterward, in the palace. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are greeting their guests. The first murderer enters. He tells Macbeth privately that Banquo has been killed, but Fleance escaped. The bloody ghost of Banquo appears and sits in Macbeth s place at the table. No one sees him except Macbeth. Macbeth cannot take his seat MACBETH. The table s full. LENNOX. Here is a place reserved, sir. MACBETH. Where? LENNOX. Here, my good lord. What is t that moves your Highness? MACBETH. Which of you have done this?

4 50 LORDS. What, my good lord? MACBETH. Thou canst not say I did it. Never shake Thy gory locks at me. ROSS. Gentlemen, rise, his Highness is not well. LADY MACBETH. Sit, worthy friends. My lord is often thus, 55 And hath been from his youth. Pray you, keep seat. The fit is momentary; upon a thought (25) He will again be well. If much you note him, You shall offend him and extend his passion. (26) Feed, and regard him not. Are you a man? The ghost of Banquo leaves and then reappears, unseen by Macbeth. Macbeth proposes a toast to Banquo, and then he sees the ghost. Terrified, he commands it to leave. He tells the ghost he cannot stand to see it in Banquo s shape. The ghost finally leaves. Macbeth cannot understand how everyone can be so calm in the presence of such a horrible sight. Ross asks what he means. Lady Macbeth immediately asks that they all leave. Macbeth seems somewhat recovered. He asks Lady Macbeth why Macduff did not come to the feast. He says he will find out, since he has spies in all the lords households. He also says he will visit the witches again. MACBETH. More shall they speak, for now I am bent (27) to know By the worst means the worst. For mine own good All causes shall give way. I am in blood Stepped in so far that, should I wade no more, Returning were as tedious as go o er. 140 Strange things I have in head that will to hand, Which must be acted ere they may be scanned. (28) Act III, Scene v takes place in the witches cave. There is thunder. The three witches are meeting with Hecate, their leader. Hecate is very angry that they appeared to Macbeth without her. She says Macbeth will come the next day to learn his destiny. They will create visions to give him false confidence. Act III, Scene vi takes place in the palace sometime later. Lennox and another lord are quietly discussing the murders of Duncan and Banquo. They are suspicious of Macbeth and no

5 longer believe the servants killed Duncan The other lord says that Malcolm is in England at the court of King Edward. Macduff has also gone to England to get help to fight Macbeth. The lord says Macbeth knows about these activities from his spies, and he is preparing for war.

Macbeth. Act 3 Scene 2, line 8 to the end Act 3 Scene 4, line 83 to the end

Macbeth. Act 3 Scene 2, line 8 to the end Act 3 Scene 4, line 83 to the end Macbeth Act 3 Scene 2, line 8 to the end Act 3 Scene 4, line 83 to the end In these extracts how does Macbeth s language show that he feels afraid but is determined to keep his power? Support your ideas