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.