Act 3 Scene 1
1. Banquo’s Soliloquy:
In this soliloquy, Banquo reflects on how Macbeth has received
everything the witches had predicted: "king, Cawdor, Glamis, all". He
comments on how Macbeth now has it all. He also suspects Macbeth of
playing “foully” to achieve all that the witches had predicted. He also recalls
the witches mentioning that he will father a generation of kings and not
Macbeth. With Macbeth’s projection by the witches coming true, Banqou
hopes that it might also come true in his case, however, he remains cautious
and silent unlike Macbeth who acts upon his ambition.
2. Macbeth’s Banquet Preparations:
Macbeth plans for the banquet and comes personally to invite Banquo
for the feast. He requests his presence at the feast masking his hidden
agenda to murder him. He also subtly interrogates Banquo whether Fleance
will be accompanying him for the ride which Banquo plans to go on. With
Macbeth’s constant words of flattery and wishing Banquo a safe ride, we
can say that there is a hint of foreboding in this scene.
3. Macbeth’s Growing Paranoia:
After Banquo’s departure, we can see Macbeth reflect upon his
insecurities regarding Banquo. He states that he fears Banquo’s noble nature
and how fearless he is. He says that to be a king like this is nothing since he
now constantly lives in the fear of his safety being sabotaged. Macbeth also
mentions that Banquo’s dauntless temper is guided by his wisdom. He says
that his “genius is rebuked”, meaning his guardian angel is unable to protect
him in such a case. Banquo can evidently be called brave as he was not
afraid to question the witches during their first meeting. Macbeth’s internal
monologue reveals that he murdered Duncan for Banquo and not himself as
the witches had prophesied that Banquo’s descendants will be kings.
Macbeth questions himself asking if he had given up his soul to man’s
common enemy (the devil) for no reason. Due to this insecurity about his
, crown, Macbeth becomes obsessed with wanting to eliminate Banquo in
order to secure his reign, lamenting that his crown will be fruitless without an
male heir.
4. Macbeth Convinces Murderers to Kill Banquo:
Macbeth seeks out two murderers and manipulates them by
reminding them of their misfortunes and blames Banquo for their sufferings.
He tells the murderers that it is Banquo who troubles them. He says that
during his last meeting with the murderers he showed them enough
evidence that even a madman would admit that Banquo did it. He highlights
the hostility by calling Banquo the man who pushed these men to their grave
and brough poverty upon their families. He influences the murderers by
asking them if they are being taught by the bible to pray for the man who is
responsible for their sufferings. He also tells the murderers that if they want a
respectful position in the society they will have to complete Macbeth’s, the
King’s task that is to get rid of his enemy, Banquo. By doing so they will
become close to his heart. Macbeth also mentions that he has enough royal
power that he could kill Banquo himself but he does not because then he
would be risking his friendship with their common friends and lose their trust
and become enemies. The murderers are desperate men who hate the
world and would do anything for revenge. This interaction shows Macbeth’s
evil and cruel nature as he specifically mentions that the killing of Fleance is
as important as Banquo’s. Macbeth instructs the murderers on how to carry
out the plan ensuring that the murder will appear seamless and without any
trace. We can also conclude that Macbeth is a provoking and manipulative
individual who would go to any extent to fulfil his selfish desires. This scene
closes with Macbeth comparing Banquo’s soul to a bird, saying that tonight is
the time his soul will fly to heaven, revealing the deep corruption of his
character.
Act 3 Scene 2
1. Banquo’s Soliloquy:
In this soliloquy, Banquo reflects on how Macbeth has received
everything the witches had predicted: "king, Cawdor, Glamis, all". He
comments on how Macbeth now has it all. He also suspects Macbeth of
playing “foully” to achieve all that the witches had predicted. He also recalls
the witches mentioning that he will father a generation of kings and not
Macbeth. With Macbeth’s projection by the witches coming true, Banqou
hopes that it might also come true in his case, however, he remains cautious
and silent unlike Macbeth who acts upon his ambition.
2. Macbeth’s Banquet Preparations:
Macbeth plans for the banquet and comes personally to invite Banquo
for the feast. He requests his presence at the feast masking his hidden
agenda to murder him. He also subtly interrogates Banquo whether Fleance
will be accompanying him for the ride which Banquo plans to go on. With
Macbeth’s constant words of flattery and wishing Banquo a safe ride, we
can say that there is a hint of foreboding in this scene.
3. Macbeth’s Growing Paranoia:
After Banquo’s departure, we can see Macbeth reflect upon his
insecurities regarding Banquo. He states that he fears Banquo’s noble nature
and how fearless he is. He says that to be a king like this is nothing since he
now constantly lives in the fear of his safety being sabotaged. Macbeth also
mentions that Banquo’s dauntless temper is guided by his wisdom. He says
that his “genius is rebuked”, meaning his guardian angel is unable to protect
him in such a case. Banquo can evidently be called brave as he was not
afraid to question the witches during their first meeting. Macbeth’s internal
monologue reveals that he murdered Duncan for Banquo and not himself as
the witches had prophesied that Banquo’s descendants will be kings.
Macbeth questions himself asking if he had given up his soul to man’s
common enemy (the devil) for no reason. Due to this insecurity about his
, crown, Macbeth becomes obsessed with wanting to eliminate Banquo in
order to secure his reign, lamenting that his crown will be fruitless without an
male heir.
4. Macbeth Convinces Murderers to Kill Banquo:
Macbeth seeks out two murderers and manipulates them by
reminding them of their misfortunes and blames Banquo for their sufferings.
He tells the murderers that it is Banquo who troubles them. He says that
during his last meeting with the murderers he showed them enough
evidence that even a madman would admit that Banquo did it. He highlights
the hostility by calling Banquo the man who pushed these men to their grave
and brough poverty upon their families. He influences the murderers by
asking them if they are being taught by the bible to pray for the man who is
responsible for their sufferings. He also tells the murderers that if they want a
respectful position in the society they will have to complete Macbeth’s, the
King’s task that is to get rid of his enemy, Banquo. By doing so they will
become close to his heart. Macbeth also mentions that he has enough royal
power that he could kill Banquo himself but he does not because then he
would be risking his friendship with their common friends and lose their trust
and become enemies. The murderers are desperate men who hate the
world and would do anything for revenge. This interaction shows Macbeth’s
evil and cruel nature as he specifically mentions that the killing of Fleance is
as important as Banquo’s. Macbeth instructs the murderers on how to carry
out the plan ensuring that the murder will appear seamless and without any
trace. We can also conclude that Macbeth is a provoking and manipulative
individual who would go to any extent to fulfil his selfish desires. This scene
closes with Macbeth comparing Banquo’s soul to a bird, saying that tonight is
the time his soul will fly to heaven, revealing the deep corruption of his
character.
Act 3 Scene 2
