Banquo believes Macbeth obtained the witches' promises through evil deeds.
Macbeth's Invitation to Banquo
Macbeth invites Banquo to dinner, indicating a facade of friendship.
Banquo's Evening Plans
Banquo will ride until evening with his son, Fleance.
Rumors about Malcolm and Donalbain
Macbeth shares that Malcolm and Donalbain have fled to England and Ireland, suspected of killing Duncan.
Macbeth's Guilt
In a soliloquy, Macbeth reflects on his actions, stating he murdered Duncan for Banquo’s children, worrying they will inherit the throne instead of his own.
Comparison to Caesar
Macbeth likens Banquo to Caesar, expressing how Banquo's presence makes him feel weak, similar to Antony's effect on Caesar.
Act III Vocabulary
Posterity: Future generations.
Cide: Kill (used in terms like parricide, regicide, etc.).
Muse: To think in silence.
Wayward: Deviating from expected norms or guidance.
Background on Mark Antony & Octavius
After Julius Caesar's assassination, Antony and Octavius allied to defeat the conspirators.
Their relationship deteriorated, leading to Octavius defeating Antony.
Acheron
A river in the underworld, symbolic of hell.
Literary Terms
Apostrophe: A figure of speech where a character addresses a non-human entity or someone absent.
Macbeth's Manipulation of the Murderers
He portrays Banquo as the enemy, manipulating their anger to justify the murder.
Murderers' Justification
The murderers feel their lives are inconsequential, making them willing to kill Banquo.
Targets for Murder
Macbeth wants both Banquo and his son, Fleance, dead.
Lady Macbeth's Concern
She mentions that desiring something can bring unrest and claims it's safer to be a victim than a criminal.
Macbeth argues that Duncan is better off in peace than in his tortured state.
Instructions to Lady Macbeth
Macbeth advises her to treat Banquo with friendliness to conceal their sinister plans.
Macbeth's Secrets
He tells Lady Macbeth to be “innocent of the knowledge” regarding the plan to kill Banquo, protecting her from the truth of his actions.
The Third Murderer
Macbeth hires a third murderer to ensure the conspiracy's success.
Murderers' Success
The murderers successfully kill Banquo but fail to kill Fleance.
News of Banquo's Death
At the banquet, Macbeth is informed of Banquo’s death, symbolized by blood on a murderer's face.
Metaphor of the Serpent and the Worm
Macbeth refers to Banquo as the serpent and Fleance as the worm, indicating that although Banquo is dead, Fleance will pose a future threat.
Macbeth's Doubts
Macbeth voices insecurity about Banquo’s ghost haunting him, reflecting his guilt and paranoia.
Lady Macbeth's Explanation
Lady Macbeth downplays Macbeth's behavior as fits from childhood, advising guests not to ask questions.
Commands to Guests
Lady Macbeth tells guests to ignore rank and leave without formal goodbyes.
Macbeth's Spies
Macbeth claims to have informants in every noble's household to monitor actions against him.
Insights from Lennox about Macbeth
Lennox expresses suspicion toward Macbeth, believing he is responsible for recent murders and labeling him a tyrant.
Macduff's Alleged Escape
Lennox suggests that Macduff has fled to seek aid against Macbeth, fostering hope for a rebellion.
Fear Among the Thanes
The thanes are cautious, discussing their dissatisfaction secretly due to fear of Macbeth's power.
Hecate's Critique of the Witches
Hecate criticizes the Weird Sisters for their dealings with Macbeth without consulting her.
Hecate's Advice
She warns that Macbeth's waywardness will ultimately be detrimental to the witches' plans, emphasizing the need for control over him.