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Macbeth Act 3 Overview and Analysis

Apr 19, 2025

Macbeth Act 3 Summary

Act 3 Scene 1

  • Setting: Macbeth's Palace

  • Characters: Banquo, Macbeth

  • Plot Points:

    • Banquo suspects Macbeth of Duncan's murder.
    • Banquo reflects on the witches' prophecy that his descendants will be kings.
    • Macbeth invites Banquo to a feast and Banquo agrees to attend.
    • Macbeth fears Banquo due to the prophecy and sees him as a threat.
    • Macbeth hires two murderers to kill Banquo.
  • Key Quote:

    • "Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown and put a barren scepter in my grip."
    • Analysis: Macbeth feels his kingship is meaningless if he can't pass it on to his heirs.

Act 3 Scene 2

  • Characters: Lady Macbeth, Macbeth

  • Plot Points:

    • Lady Macbeth is troubled despite being queen.
    • Macbeth expresses his paranoia about threats to their power.
    • Macbeth hints at having organized Banquo's murder without Lady Macbeth's input.
  • Analysis:

    • Shift in Macbeth's language to darker imagery, reflecting his growing ambition and descent into tyranny.

Act 3 Scene 3

  • Setting: The woods
  • Characters: The murderers, Banquo, Fleance
  • Plot Points:
    • A third murderer joins the original two.
    • Banquo is killed, but Fleance escapes.
    • The murderers plan to inform Macbeth.

Act 3 Scene 4

  • Setting: Macbeth's Castle

  • Characters: Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, Banquo's Ghost

  • Plot Points:

    • Macbeth learns of Banquo's death and Fleance's escape.
    • Banquo's ghost appears at the banquet, horrifying Macbeth.
    • Macbeth's behavior alarms the guests; Lady Macbeth attempts to cover for him.
    • Macbeth insists on finding out more from the witches.
  • Key Quote:

    • "I am in blood stepped in so far that should I wade no more, returning were as tedious as to go over."
    • Analysis: Macbeth acknowledges his deep involvement in murder and his resolve to continue.

Act 3 Scene 5

  • Characters: The Witches, Hecate
  • Plot Points:
    • Hecate is angry at the witches for interfering with Macbeth.
    • She plans to deceive Macbeth with visions.

Act 3 Scene 6

  • Characters: Lennox, another Lord
  • Plot Points:
    • Banquo's murder is falsely blamed on Fleance.
    • Lennox and the Lord are suspicious of Macbeth’s role in the murders.
    • Macduff has joined Malcolm in England.
    • Both men hope for peace in Scotland.