English 10CP	Macbeth

Novak	Act III Study Guide

For the following discussion questions, provide textual evidence for your answer.

Sc.1

1.	What hope does Banquo maintain? How does he differ from Macbeth?

2.	Why does Macbeth fear Banquo?

3.	How does Macbeth persuade the murderers to kill Banquo and Fleance? What reason does he give for wanting to keep secret his connection with the murderers?

Sc. 2

4.	What is ironic about Lady Macbeth’s statement, “What’s done is done”?

5.	Compare and contrast the feelings of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in this scene. What changes do you perceive in Macbeth?

6.	How does the planning of Banquo’s and his son’s murders differ from Duncan’s?

Sc. 3

7.	How do the images of light and dark function in this scene?

Sc. 4

8.	How does Macbeth behave at the banquet?

9.	What does his behavior suggest about his emotional state? How does Lady Macbeth handle the situation?

10.	What is the significance of Fleance’s escape?

11.	What does Macbeth plan for the day after the banquet? Why?

12.	How is the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth changing?

13.	Explain the following lines in relation to the development of Macbeth as a character: “I am in blood / Stepped in so far that should I wade no more, / Returning were as tedious as go o’er” (3.4.168-170).

Sc. 5

14.	Contrast the atmosphere in this scene with that of the preceding scene. How does Scene 5 develop the action of the play? Explain.

Sc. 6

15.	What specific events and persons do Lennox and another lord discuss in this scene?