Macbeth Study Questions Act 3 KEY
Scene 1:
1. What does Banquo suspect about Macbeth at the beginning of the
scene?
Banquo suspects that Macbeth achieved the throne through foul means.
2. Why does Macbeth invite Banquo to a banquet?
Macbeth invites Banquo to a banquet to appear friendly and hide his true
intentions of wanting to murder him.
3. How does Macbeth manipulate the murderers into agreeing to kill
Banquo and Fleance?
He manipulates the murderers by blaming Banquo for their hardships and
convincing them that killing Banquo is in their best interest.
Scene 2:
4. What does Lady Macbeth mean by “Naught’s had, all’s spent, where
our desire is got without content”?
Lady Macbeth expresses regret that achieving their desires has not
brought them happiness.
5. How does the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth
begin to change in this scene?
Their relationship begins to change as Macbeth becomes more secretive
and independent, while Lady Macbeth starts to feel uneasy.
Scene 3:
6. What happens during the ambush on Banquo and Fleance?
Banquo is killed, but Fleance escapes.
7. What are Banquo’s dying words, and what do they mean?
Banquo’s dying words, “Fly, good Fleance, fly, fly, fly! Thou mayst
revenge,” urge Fleance to escape and foreshadows revenge against
Macbeth.
8. How does the ambush reinforce the theme of fate?
The ambush highlights the theme of fate, showing that Macbeth cannot
fully control his destiny despite his efforts.
Scene 4:
9. How does Macbeth react to seeing Banquo’s ghost?
Scene 1:
1. What does Banquo suspect about Macbeth at the beginning of the
scene?
Banquo suspects that Macbeth achieved the throne through foul means.
2. Why does Macbeth invite Banquo to a banquet?
Macbeth invites Banquo to a banquet to appear friendly and hide his true
intentions of wanting to murder him.
3. How does Macbeth manipulate the murderers into agreeing to kill
Banquo and Fleance?
He manipulates the murderers by blaming Banquo for their hardships and
convincing them that killing Banquo is in their best interest.
Scene 2:
4. What does Lady Macbeth mean by “Naught’s had, all’s spent, where
our desire is got without content”?
Lady Macbeth expresses regret that achieving their desires has not
brought them happiness.
5. How does the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth
begin to change in this scene?
Their relationship begins to change as Macbeth becomes more secretive
and independent, while Lady Macbeth starts to feel uneasy.
Scene 3:
6. What happens during the ambush on Banquo and Fleance?
Banquo is killed, but Fleance escapes.
7. What are Banquo’s dying words, and what do they mean?
Banquo’s dying words, “Fly, good Fleance, fly, fly, fly! Thou mayst
revenge,” urge Fleance to escape and foreshadows revenge against
Macbeth.
8. How does the ambush reinforce the theme of fate?
The ambush highlights the theme of fate, showing that Macbeth cannot
fully control his destiny despite his efforts.
Scene 4:
9. How does Macbeth react to seeing Banquo’s ghost?
