Monday, December 6, 2010

Today, we read all of Act III of Macbeth. The questions are posted below. All questions for Macbeth will be due on Monday, December 13.

Macbeth Questions
Act III Scene 1

What is Banquo’s opinion of Macbeth’s conduct?
Knowing what he did, what was Banquo’s duty?
Has he done it? Why or why not?
What does he say of the prediction of the weird sisters concerning himself and of the prospect of its being fulfilled?
What invitation does Macbeth give Banquo?
What was Macbeth’s reason for asking Banquo, “Ride you this afternoon?”
What does Macbeth say of “our bloody cousins”?
Why does he speak of them?
When all have retired except an attendant, what does Macbeth say to the attendant?
What does he ask concerning Fleance?
From Macbeth’s manner, has any change taken place in him?
Had Macbeth already been planning the murder of Banquo?
In soliloquy what does Macbeth reveal about his plans and purposes?
What is his analysis of Banquo’s character?
What arguments does Macbeth use to induce the murderers to kill Banquo?
What are his final instructions, especially with regard to Fleance?
With what reflection does the scene close?

Act III Scene 2

What is Lady Macbeth’s philosophy of life as shown in her words to Macbeth?
From her remarks on Macbeth’s entrance, what is suggested as to his emotional condition?
What does Macbeth mean by line 13: “We have scotched the snake, etc.”?
What is the dramatic significance of Macbeth’s reference to Duncan?
What expressions of affection for his wife does Macbeth give?
What does Macbeth say about hypocrisy?
What does he say about his mental anguish?
What quick change takes place in Macbeth?
Does Macbeth tell Lady Macbeth his plans?
What awful apostrophe to seeing nights does Macbeth now make?
What does this symbolize?

Act III Scene 3

What do you infer as to who is the third murderer from the fact that the third murderer is familiar with the plan, the palace, and the habits of Banquo?
Does the second murderer mistrust Macbeth? Explain.
What is the dramatic significance that Fleance escapes?
What is the meaning of the second murderers remark, “We have lost the best half of our affair.”?
Act III Scene 4

What does Macbeth mean by “’Tis better thee without than he within.”?
What is the effect on Macbeth, as revealed in Aside, of the fact that Fleance
escaped?
What is the effect on Macbeth of the appearance of the ghost?
How does Lady Macbeth explain Macbeth’s actions and words?
What does Macbeth say after the ghost vanishes the first time?
What causes the ghost to re-enter?
What in both cases summoned the ghost?
What does Macbeth say to the ghost on its re-appearance?
What action does Lady Macbeth take?
Where has Lennox been seen before?
After the company has departed, what does Lady Macbeth say about Macduff?
Does Lady Macbeth taunt or chide Macbeth after the guests depart?
What part in the play does she have after this?
What is the significance of Macbeth’s words in lines 166-170: “I am in blood…”?
What is the meaning of Macbeth’s last words in this scene?


Act III Scene 5

Have the lines 30-33: “He shall spurn fate, scorn death, and bear his hopes ‘bove wisdom, grace and fear…” been fulfilled in the rest of the play?
What does Hecate say is mortal’s chiefest enemy? Is it true in Macbeth’s case?


Act III Scene 6

What is the nature of this scene?
What is the tone of Lennox’s remarks?
What evidence is there that changes begin to take place in Scotland?
What is the character of Macduff?
What is the nature of the information given in this scene?