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.