Act III, scene i
Search for evidence! For each of the main points that occur in Act III, scene i outline what
happens in your own words and provide 1 example from the text as support.
1)
Banquo’s feelings towards Macbeth
Explain:
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Proof:
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2)
Macbeth’s feelings towards Malcolm and Donalbain
Explain:
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Proof:
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3)
Macbeth’s feelings towards Banquo
Explain:
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Proof:
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Briefly outline the important points of Macbeth’s conversation with the hired murderers
(you may use jot notes):
Act III, scene ii
Imagine the scene between Lady Macbeth and Macbeth in scene ii occurred in modern
times over the Internet. Rewrite their conversation as a Facebook, Twitter or text message
conversation. You do not have to paraphrase every single word, but be sure to include all
the main points
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Act III, scene iii
Briefly outline what happens in scene iii:
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Think about it: What problems do you think Fleance may cause for Macbeth?
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Act III, scene iv
When the first murderer returns to Inverness, he informs Macbeth that Fleance escaped
their attack. How does Macbeth feel about this news?
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Explain the hallucination Macbeth sees during the feast. Use 2 references as support.
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At the end of scene iv, Macbeth says several important things. Briefly paraphrase each of
the following quotes.
“How sayst thou that Macduff denies his person at our great bidding?...There’s not a one of
them but in his house, I keep a servant fee’d.”
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I will tomorrow, and betimes I will, to the weird sisters. More shall they speak, for now I am
bent to know by the worst means the worst.”
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“I am in blood steeped so far that, should I wade no more, returning were as tedious as go
o’er.”
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Act III, scene v
Upon the corner of the moon
There hangs a vap’rous drop profound.
I’ll catch it ere it come to ground,
And that distilled by magic sleights,
Shall raise such artificial sprites,
As by the strength of their illusion
Shall draw him on to his confusion.
He shall spurn fate, scorn death, and bear
His hopes ‘bove wisdom, grace and fear;
And you all know security
Is mortals’ chiefiest enemy.
Explain Hecate’s (queen of the witches) plan for Macbeth outlined in the verses above.
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How does this scene help to maintain the mood/atmosphere of the play so far?
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Act III, scene vi
Recall that in the beginning scenes of Macbeth, we are given the impression that he is a
bold and noble man and the other thanes spoke highly of him. This impression of Macbeth
contrasts greatly to the Macbeth presented in scene vi.
Define the word tyrant:
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How is Macbeth portrayed by Lennox and the Lord?
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Macbeth highlights an important theme in scene iv: Blood will have blood. What does this
mean regarding Macbeth? Explain how the phrase “blood will have blood” is true of
Macbeth so far.
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END OF ACT III