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Macbeth Act III Question Pack
Scene 1 (III.i)
1. Where does this scene take place?
2. What suspicions about Macbeth does Banquo voice (lines 1-10)?
3. In lines 51-76, what doubts does Macbeth say are troubling him?
4. Why does Macbeth hire murderers to kill Banquo?
5. What does Macbeth tell the murderers about Banquo (lines 75-84)?
6. According to Macbeth, why does he himself not kill Banquo (lines 118-126)?
7. Who else are the murderers supposed to kill? Why?
8. What comments about masculinity can you find in this scene?
Scene 2 (III.ii)
1. Where does this scene take place?
2. What is the meaning of Lady Macbeth's saying: "Naught's had, all's spent,/Where
our desire is got without content" (lines 4-7)?
3. In lines 16-22, from what affliction does Macbeth suffer?
4. In line 35, Lady Macbeth says, "You must leave this." What does she mean?
5. Is Lady Macbeth aware that Macbeth has planned the death of Banquo and Fleance?
Record a line that supports your answer.
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Scene 3 (III.iii)
1. Where does this scene take place?
2. What happens when the murderers try to kill Banquo and his son?
3. What is Banquo's dying request of Fleance (line 18)?
Scene 4 (III.iv)
1. Where does this scene take place?
2. What activity opens this scene?
3. Who joins the assembled group, sitting in Macbeth's place?
4. How does Lady Macbeth explain Macbeth's strange reaction (lines 54-59)?
5. What comments on masculinity do the Macbeths make during this scene?
6. How does the incident with Banquo’s ghost convey Macbeth’s inner conflict?
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7. After everyone has left, we find out that someone refused the banquet invitation –
who is it (lines 129-30)?
8. What is Macbeth's plan for the next day?
9. What does Macbeth reveal in lines 131-133 that tells you of his paranoia?
10. What does Macbeth mean by his line, “We are yet but young in deed” (line 145)?
11. How has the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth changed?
Scene 5 (III.v)
1. What natural element (often associated with witches)
opens this scene?
2. Why is Hecate angry?
3. What is noteworthy about Hecate’s monologue?
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Scene 6 (III.vi)
Lennox’s opening speech contains strong sarcasm – keep this in mind as you read it, and see if
you notice any lines that might give you an idea of how Lennox truly feels about Macbeth.
1. Where does this scene take place?
2. What does Lennox say in his opening speech that leads you to believe he feels that
Duncan’s sons are innocent?
3. What word is used by both men in lines 22-25 that reveals their true feelings of
Macbeth?
4. How does the second lord’s description of England’s Edward reveal that he also
believes in the innocence of Duncan’s sons (lines 26-29)?
5. Where has Macduff gone?
6. What does he hope to do there?
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