Podcast
Questions and Answers
What does Lady Macbeth imply about her feelings when she says, 'Nought's had, all's spent, Where our desire is got without content'?
What does Lady Macbeth imply about her feelings when she says, 'Nought's had, all's spent, Where our desire is got without content'?
What does Macbeth mean when he says, 'We have scorched the snake, not killed it'?
What does Macbeth mean when he says, 'We have scorched the snake, not killed it'?
Which emotion does Macbeth primarily express regarding his mental state in this passage?
Which emotion does Macbeth primarily express regarding his mental state in this passage?
Lady Macbeth encourages Macbeth to appear how among their guests?
Lady Macbeth encourages Macbeth to appear how among their guests?
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What does Macbeth mean by 'Better be with the dead'?
What does Macbeth mean by 'Better be with the dead'?
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How does Lady Macbeth respond to Macbeth's troubled mind?
How does Lady Macbeth respond to Macbeth's troubled mind?
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What does Macbeth mean by 'Cancel and tear to pieces that great bond'?
What does Macbeth mean by 'Cancel and tear to pieces that great bond'?
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What key theme is evident in the dialogue between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth?
What key theme is evident in the dialogue between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth?
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Study Notes
Lady Macbeth's Soliloquy and Dialogue with Macbeth
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Banquo's Absence and Return: Banquo has left court, but will return tonight. Lady Macbeth requests to speak with the king.
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Lady Macbeth's Reflections: Lady Macbeth expresses anxieties about the actions taken and the potential for future consequences. She believes that actions accomplished without true satisfaction are ultimately unsatisfying and even more perilous. She feels it's better to be the one acting the destruction rather than to endure the psychological impact of the uncertain outcome of such ventures.
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Macbeth's Despair: Macbeth, overwhelmed with the guilt associated with Duncan's murder, expresses fear of the inevitable and nightmarish future consequences of their actions. He feels their actions are not complete, the work is not fully done and compares the unresolved issue to a dangerous snake; as dangerous as it is un-killed.
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Macbeth's and Lady Macbeth's Resolve and Discussion of Banquo: Macbeth and Lady Macbeth agree to continue masking their true feelings for the night and deal with the problem of Banquo and his possible threats to their future success. Lady Macbeth asserts that Banquo and his son, though perceived as threats, are mortal and thus can be defeated.
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Macbeth's Plan for Murder: Macbeth reveals his impending plan to murder Banquo. He requests Lady Macbeth be complicit and resolute. He is determined to destroy the threat and ensure their future safety.
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Night and Action: Macbeth emphasizes the suitable time for actions and the importance of taking advantage of darkness to complete the plans. He urges his wife to be patient and await his return at the most propitious time.
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Macbeth's Urgency: Macbeth expresses a sense of foreboding and the urgency of the situation, driving them to make the critical move soon.
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Description
Explore Lady Macbeth's soliloquy and her dialogue with Macbeth in Act 3 of Shakespeare's tragedy. This quiz will delve into the characters' anxieties, guilt, and their discussions about Banquo's return. Test your understanding of the complex emotions and themes presented in this crucial part of the play.
