Act 3 scene 1

• Act 3 Scene 1 of Macbeth is an interesting scene where Macbeth, following the murder of Duncan, is already plotting to murder his close friend Banquo.
• Banquo uses soliloquy in this scene to suggest that he's not altogether comfortable with how Macbeth has come to the throne.
• There are a few characters who do not entirely believe that Macbeth didn't kill Duncan but are choosing not to speak out either to see what they might get under the new king or through fear.
• Banquo epitomizes this uncertainty in his soliloquy, appearing to be suggesting that he's not best pleased with how Macbeth has won the throne.
• Macbeth's opening words in this scene, "Oh, full of scorpions is my seat!" can be interpreted in multiple ways.
• Macbeth plans to kill Banquo and as such, being Macbeth's chief guest is not a good thing.
• Macbeth's speech changes in order to reflect his state of mind, reacting to different situations by adjusting his speech.
• Macbeth becomes more like his wife as the play progresses, using language similar to that of the witches.
• Macbeth's plan to have Banquo murdered is thwarted when Banquo makes the feast as a ghost in Macbeth's imagination.
• Macbeth becomes more calculating and cunning in his language, using it to persuade the murderers to kill Banquo.
• Macbeth's appeal to the men's self-esteem and manhood is similar to that of Lady Macbeth, suggesting that this was the true Macbeth all along or if this is some sort of mania brought on by the murder of his king.