act 3

• Who is now king at the beginning of Act III?

  Macbeth
• Why is Banquo suspicious in Act III scene i?

  Because the witches' predictions about Macbeth have come true
• What action does Macbeth take against Banquo in Act III scene i?

  He arranges to have him murdered
• What does Lady Macbeth want from her husband in Act III scene ii?

  She wants him to talk to her about his plans
• What happens to Banquo in Act III scene iii?

  He is murdered
• Who escapes after Banquo is murdered?

  His son, Fleance
• What significant event occurs at the feast in Act III scene iv?

  Macbeth sees the ghost of Banquo
• How does Lady Macbeth respond to Macbeth's vision of Banquo's ghost?

  She tries to calm him down and eventually cancels the feast
• What is happening to the suspicion of Macbeth by Act III scene vi?

  It is growing
• Where has Macduff gone in Act III scene vi?

  He has left for England to rouse support against Macbeth
• What are the key themes presented in Act III of Macbeth?

  • Ambition seen as a driving force
  • The consequences of unchecked ambition
  • The impact of guilt and paranoia
  • The role of fate and prophecy
• The Weird Sisters


  Collective term for the witches who predict Macbeth's and Banquo's futures
• Thane of Cawdor


  Title bestowed upon Macbeth later in the play, foretold by the Witches
• Fleance


  Banquo's son, prophesied to become King of Scotland
• Macduff's Family


  Victims of Macbeth's brutal order to eliminate potential threats to his rule
• Banquo's Ghost


  Symbolizing Macbeth's guilt and moral responsibility for his actions
• Lady Macbeth's Madness


  Consequence of her guilt and paranoia, symbolizing the destructive power of unchecked emotions
• Illusion of Control

  Macbeth's attempts to manipulate fate and control his own destiny ultimately lead to his downfall, highlighting the illusion of control and the unpredictability of life
• Sleepwalking


  Nighttime rituals to wash imaginary bloodstains from her hands
• "What's done cannot be undone"

  Lady Macbeth's acknowledgment of her role in the murder and its irrevocable consequences
• "Out, damned spot!"

  Lady Macbeth's famous soliloquy, attempting to wash away imaginary bloodstains
• Unraveling of Sanity

  Lady Macbeth's descent into madness, marked by erratic behavior and increasing paranoia
• Tragic Flaw


  Lady Macbeth's own ambition and desire for power, which ultimately lead to her downfall
• "Out, damned spot!"

  Symptom of Lady Macbeth's guilt, shame, and descent into madness
• Imaginary Spot


  Symbol of Lady Macbeth's guilt, shame, and disconnection from reality