Act Three

Act Three Analysis

Scene 1

  • Banquo’s Suspicion: Banquo begins to suspect Macbeth for Duncan’s murder - he was with Macbeth when the witches gave their prophesy, and he notes how it has ‘benevolent’ towards Macbeth.
  • Macbeth’s Fear of Banquo: Macbeth admits his fear that Banquo’s lineage will enjoy the kingship, according to the witches’ prophecy. This contributes to his decision to kill Banquo.

Scene 2

  • Lady Macbeth’s Discontent: Despite achieving their shared dream of kingship, Lady Macbeth is not satisfied. She feels uneasy and fears the instability of their position.
  • Macbeth’s Darkness: Macbeth, once a loyal subject, is now planning murders without consulting Lady Macbeth. His character takes a dark turn from this point.

Scene 3

  • Banquo’s Murder: Banquo is murdered, but his son Fleance escapes, leaving a hope for his progeny to be kings in future.
  • Macbeth’s Control: Macbeth is now confident and takes matters into his own hands. His increasing control is evident as he personally organises Banquo’s murder.

Scene 4

  • Banquo’s Ghost: Macbeth sees Banquo’s ghost at the banquet, leading to a frightening public spectacle. This event shakes Macbeth and foreshadows his downfall.
  • Lady Macbeth’s Control: Lady Macbeth once again rescues her husband’s reputation by dismissing his abnormal behaviour and ending the banquet abruptly.

Scene 5, 6 and 7

  • Macbeth and Witches: Macbeth is informed of the witches’ receipt of an ominous message from Hecate. He decides to visit them for more prophecies, reflecting his dependence on the supernatural.
  • Political Resistance: There’s talk of Malcolm and English king joining forces against Macbeth. The tyrant king’s rule begins to face resistance.
  • Macduff’s Role: Lady Macduff has a conversation about her absent husband, Macduff. They discuss loyalty, leading to an exploration of what true loyalty to a king or country means.

Character Analysis

  • Macbeth: Macbeth becomes more sinister, planning and executing murders without consulting Lady Macbeth. His independence grows, but so does his fear and paranoia.
  • Lady Macbeth: Despite achieving her goal, Lady Macbeth continues to feel unsettled. She tries to maintain control when Macbeth falters, but her influence is diminishing.

Themes Analysis

  • Ambition: Macbeth’s ambition leads him to contemplate murdering his friend to secure his kingship, showing the destructive power of unchecked ambition.
  • Power and Control: Macbeth’s increasing control contrasts with Lady Macbeth’s loss of power, highlighting the unstable nature of power obtained through foul means.
  • Fear and Paranoia: Macbeth’s guilt and fear also intensify, leading to hallucinations of Banquo’s ghost and a growing sense of paranoia over his precarious position.

Symbolism

  • Banquo’s Ghost: The ghost symbolises Macbeth’s guilt and the consequences of his crime - it foreshadows the mental torture Macbeth will face.
  • Birds of Prey: Bird of prey imagery is used again, representing Macbeth’s deadly ambition and predatory nature.