Podcast
Questions and Answers
What suspicions does Banquo voice?
What suspicions does Banquo voice?
Macbeth became King by foul means.
Who besides Banquo knows of the witches' prophesies?
Who besides Banquo knows of the witches' prophesies?
Lady Macbeth.
Why does Macbeth question Banquo about his plans?
Why does Macbeth question Banquo about his plans?
He is planning on killing him.
In lines 51-76, what doubts does Macbeth say is troubling him?
In lines 51-76, what doubts does Macbeth say is troubling him?
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What does Macbeth tell the murderers about Banquo?
What does Macbeth tell the murderers about Banquo?
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According to Macbeth, why does he himself not kill Banquo?
According to Macbeth, why does he himself not kill Banquo?
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Who else are the murderers to kill?
Who else are the murderers to kill?
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What is the meaning of Lady Macbeth's saying: 'Naught's had, all's spent,/Where our desire is got without content'?
What is the meaning of Lady Macbeth's saying: 'Naught's had, all's spent,/Where our desire is got without content'?
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In lines 18-28, from affliction does Macbeth suffer?
In lines 18-28, from affliction does Macbeth suffer?
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In line 39, Lady Macbeth says, 'You must leave this.' What does she mean?
In line 39, Lady Macbeth says, 'You must leave this.' What does she mean?
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Is Lady Macbeth aware that Macbeth has planned the death of Banquo and Fleance?
Is Lady Macbeth aware that Macbeth has planned the death of Banquo and Fleance?
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How is the planning of Banquo's murder quite different from that of Duncan's?
How is the planning of Banquo's murder quite different from that of Duncan's?
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Who is murdered in this scene?
Who is murdered in this scene?
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Who escapes?
Who escapes?
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What is Banquo's dying request of Fleance?
What is Banquo's dying request of Fleance?
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What activity opens this scene?
What activity opens this scene?
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Who joins the assembled group, sitting in Macbeth's place?
Who joins the assembled group, sitting in Macbeth's place?
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How does Lady Macbeth explain Macbeth's strange reaction?
How does Lady Macbeth explain Macbeth's strange reaction?
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How does Lady Macbeth respond to Macbeth when he says he sees Banquo's ghost?
How does Lady Macbeth respond to Macbeth when he says he sees Banquo's ghost?
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Why does Lady Macbeth ask everyone to leave?
Why does Lady Macbeth ask everyone to leave?
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Who refused the banquet invitation?
Who refused the banquet invitation?
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What is Macbeth's plan for the next day?
What is Macbeth's plan for the next day?
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What is causing Macbeth to be so unsettled emotionally?
What is causing Macbeth to be so unsettled emotionally?
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What does Hecate plan to do?
What does Hecate plan to do?
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What is implied in Lennox's speech at the beginning of scene 6?
What is implied in Lennox's speech at the beginning of scene 6?
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Where has Macduff gone?
Where has Macduff gone?
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What does he hope to do there?
What does he hope to do there?
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What dramatic purpose does this scene serve?
What dramatic purpose does this scene serve?
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At what point does this act mark the turning point for Macbeth's fortunes?
At what point does this act mark the turning point for Macbeth's fortunes?
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Study Notes
Banquo's Suspicion and Macbeth's Plans
- Banquo suspects Macbeth of foul play in becoming king.
- Lady Macbeth is aware of the witches' prophecies alongside Banquo.
- Macbeth inquiries about Banquo's plans as he intends to eliminate him.
- Doubts troubling Macbeth include fear of Banquo knowing about Duncan’s murder and worry over Banquo’s heirs.
Murderer Manipulation and Planning
- Macbeth manipulates the murderers by blaming Banquo for their misfortunes, promising immunity from punishment.
- Macbeth refrains from killing Banquo himself to avoid suspicion and due to fear of Banquo.
- The murderers are instructed to also kill Fleance, Banquo's son.
Lady Macbeth's Disillusionment and Macbeth’s Nightmares
- Lady Macbeth expresses dissatisfaction with their desires being unfulfilled despite achieving kingship.
- Macbeth suffers from terrible nightmares that indicate his inner turmoil.
- Lady Macbeth advises Macbeth to move on from Duncan's death, unaware of his plans against Banquo.
Differences in Murder Planning
- Macbeth independently orchestrates Banquo's murder without Lady Macbeth's urging, contrasting with Duncan's murder.
The Banquet Scene and Banquo's Ghost
- The scene opens with a banquet, where Banquo is later murdered, but Fleance manages to escape.
- Banquo’s last wish to Fleance is to seek vengeance for his death.
- At the banquet, Macbeth is haunted by Banquo’s ghost, raising concerns among the guests.
- Lady Macbeth rationalizes Macbeth’s odd behavior by claiming it is a childhood issue.
Reactions and Responses
- Lady Macbeth chastises Macbeth for showing weakness and requests the attendees to leave as his behavior worsens.
- Macduff notably declines the banquet invitation, indicating his dissent against Macbeth.
Future Plans and Supernatural Influence
- Macbeth's agenda includes sending a spy to Macduff’s residence and consulting the witches again.
- Macbeth discloses that his emotional unrest stems from inexperience, and he believes sleep could remedy his troubles.
- Hecate plans to summon Macbeth, plotting to invoke overconfidence and induce further hallucinations.
Foreshadowing and Loyalty
- Lennox’s remarks imply his loyalty to Macbeth while hinting at doubts regarding Macbeth's reign.
- Macduff departs to England to seek assistance in dethroning Macbeth, evident of rising tensions.
Climactic Turn and Implications
- The dramatic purpose of this scene foreshadows Macbeth’s impending downfall.
- The turning point is characterized by Macbeth’s confrontation with Banquo’s ghost, signaling irreversible changes in his fate.
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Description
Test your knowledge on Act 3 Scene 4 of Macbeth with these flashcards. This quiz covers key suspicions voiced by Banquo, the characters aware of the witches' prophecies, and Macbeth's intentions regarding Banquo. See how well you remember the pivotal moments in this scene!