Macbeth's Soliloquy and Murderous Plans

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Questions and Answers

What was Macbeth promised by the weird women?

  • He would be Thane of Cawdor and Glamis. (correct)
  • He would gain power through fair means.
  • He would have a line of kings as descendants.
  • He would be king, but only for a short time.

What does Banquo fear regarding Macbeth's rise to power?

  • That he will not fulfill the witches' prophecy.
  • That he will betray Banquo for power.
  • That Macbeth will be overthrown.
  • That he will be treacherous to gain the throne. (correct)

How does Banquo view the witches' prophecies?

  • He thinks they hold no significance.
  • He is confident they are only meant for Macbeth.
  • He believes they are always false.
  • He suspects they may be true for himself as well. (correct)

What does Macbeth intend to do the next day concerning the council meeting?

<p>Postpone the council to another day. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Banquo mention about his journey?

<p>He will be riding into darkness. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What information do they discuss regarding the princes?

<p>They are in England and Ireland spreading lies. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Macbeth mean by saying 'you have it now'?

<p>He refers to his current status as king. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the central concern for Banquo after Macbeth becomes king?

<p>The future of his own lineage. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What motivates the speaker to seek assistance in the content?

<p>A chance to fix or end his life (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why must the speaker hide his true plans from the public eye?

<p>He has important reasons that require secrecy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What consequence does the speaker fear if he kills Banquo?

<p>He will betray mutual friends (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characters does the speaker plan to have killed?

<p>Banquo and Fleance (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase "every minute of his being thrusts against my near'st of life" imply?

<p>Banquo's existence is a constant threat to the speaker (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What condition must be met for the speaker's plan to succeed?

<p>Banquo must not suspect anything (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the speaker feel about the friends he shares with Banquo?

<p>He feels they complicate his plans (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What timing does the speaker emphasize for the execution of his plans?

<p>It must occur tonight (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Macbeth fear about Banquo?

<p>His superior wisdom and courage (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Macbeth's view on being king without security?

<p>It is meaningless. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Macbeth plan to deal with Banquo and his descendants?

<p>By assassinating them (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What realization does Macbeth have about the witches' prophecies?

<p>They foreshadow his downfall. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Macbeth suggest about the nature of men?

<p>They are defined by their skills and qualities. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What motivates Macbeth's actions against Banquo?

<p>Fear of his potential as a ruler (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Macbeth feel about his past actions for power?

<p>He feels remorse and regret. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Macbeth accuse Banquo of in his speech to the murderers?

<p>Causing their suffering. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the overall tone of Macbeth's feelings toward Banquo?

<p>Admiration mixed with fear (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Macbeth’s view of fate influence his plans?

<p>He aims to confront fate directly. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Macbeth imply by comparing men to dogs?

<p>Men can be ranked by their abilities. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Macbeth refer to when he mentions 'my eternal jewel'?

<p>His soul and consciousness (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Banquo does Macbeth find most threatening?

<p>His lineage and potential heirs (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Macbeth's Kingship

Macbeth has become king, fulfilling a prophecy from the witches.

Foul Play

Macbeth potentially used dishonest means to obtain his kingship.

Witches' Prophecy

The witches' prophecies include events relating to Macbeth and other characters, creating a complex plot.

Royal Succession

There is uncertainty about who will succeed Macbeth as king, prompting conflicts.

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Murderous Princes

The princes, who have committed murder, are hiding in England and Ireland.

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Council Meeting

The speaker discusses a council meeting and its postponement.

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Travel Plans

The speaker is planning travel until dinner time.

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Bloody Cousins' Exile

The speakers heard that two princes went into exile after killing their father, implying a complicated family situation.

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Plot to kill Banquo

The plan to assassinate Banquo and his son, Fleance, at night, away from the palace.

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Mutual friends

Friends shared between the speaker and Banquo that prevent the speaker from directly eliminating Banquo.

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Fleance's death

Crucial part of the assassination plan; speaker wants Fleance dead just like Banquo.

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Discreet action

The murder must be performed secretly and out of public view to avoid suspicion.

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Time

The assassination has to happen tonight, away from the palace; precise timing is vital.

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Intelligence Gathering

The speaker will provide details about the location and time, including the moment to strike.

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Speaker's Motivation

Jealousy and the desire to secure the throne drives the speaker to plot Banquo's murder.

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Assistance

The speaker requests others' help with executing the assassination plot.

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King Macbeth's fear

Macbeth is afraid of Banquo and his lineage becoming the true royal family.

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Banquo's role in Macbeth's guilt

Banquo's existence and lineage threaten Macbeth's kingship, causing remorse and paranoia.

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Macbeth's ambition

Macbeth's desire for power drives him to commit murder.

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Macbeth's paranoia

Macbeth's guilt and fear of Banquo lead to anxiety and distrust.

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Banquo's challenge to witches

Banquo confronts the witches, challenging their authority over prophecies, in this context.

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Murders of Banquo

Macbeth and his accomplices plan and carry out the murder of Banquo.

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Macbeth's desperation

Macbeth expresses desperation over the threat posed by Banquo.

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Recompenses to murderers

Macbeth promises rewards to the murderers for carrying out his plots against Banquo.

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Murders of Banquo and Fleance

Macbeth plans the murders of Banquo and Fleance to secure his power.

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Macbeth's reasons for killing Banquo

Macbeth's overwhelming fear of Banquo's potential claim to the throne pushes him to kill Banquo.

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Murderers' reaction to Macbeth

Murderers express agreement with Macbeth's motivations and their feelings about the threat to their position.

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The nature of humans

Shakespeare's portrayal of humans, in this scene, shows that it's complex and diverse.

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Convincing the murderers

Macbeth tries to convince the murderers of the necessity and benefits of their plan.

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Shakespearean imagery

Shakespeare uses rich language and metaphors to convey ideas and feelings.

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Study Notes

Macbeth's Soliloquy and Plans

  • Macbeth, now king, expresses concerns about the witches' prophecy, suspecting foul play in his ascension. He doubts that his line will continue, fearing Banquo's lineage may claim kingship.
  • Macbeth contemplates the potential truth in the witches' prophecies, hoping they hold a similar truth for him.
  • Macbeth reveals his fear of Banquo, and sees him as a potential threat to his own kingship. He is the only one Macbeth fears.
  • Macbeth describes Banquo as possessing courage, wisdom, and a formidable disposition, and that Banquo was angered by the witches prophecies regarding Macbeth.
  • Macbeth is determined to eliminate Banquo and Fleance, to prevent Banquo's descendants from ruling.
  • Macbeth reveals he had Duncan murdered for Banquo's issue, and that Banquo was the only real threat to him.
  • He feels the need to eliminate Banquo's lineage entirely and seeks his murderer's assistance to do so.

Discussion of Plans with Murderers

  • Macbeth explains to the murderers that Banquo was the cause of their suffering, and presents himself as innocent.
  • Macbeth describes how Banquo manipulated and deceived others in the past.
  • Macbeth emphasizes the urgent need for Banquo's and Fleance's demise, explaining that their lives are a threat to his own.
  • Macbeth details how their elimination will secure his kingship and his comfort.
  • Macbeth highlights the importance of eliminating Fleance, emphasizing that their absence from the throne is paramount to Macbeth's security.
  • Macbeth's actions include deceitful manipulation and deception to achieve his goals.

Final Instructions to Murderers

  • Macbeth requests the murderers' absolute commitment to the plan for Banquo and Fleance's murder that evening.
  • He stresses that the deed must be carried out discreetly, removed from the palace for secrecy.
  • Macbeth outlines a precise time frame—tonight—for the event.
  • Macbeth emphasizes the necessity for secrecy in order to avoid suspicion.
  • Macbeth declares he will meet the murderers again shortly. He shares the location and timing with them.
  • Macbeth expresses the need for complete discretion and secrecy to avoid discovery, and insists on having an accomplice to conceal his actions.

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