A3S3

• Macbeth plans to kill both Banquo and Fleance because the witches told him that Banquo's sons would be kings
• This shows that Macbeth is challenging fate by plotting their murders
• Macbeth trusts fate to give him titles, but he doesn't believe it will do the same for others
• Macbeth believes he can change the prophecies and outsmart what has been spoken over him
• The witches' prophecies reveal that the real danger is from Fleance, as Banquo will not be king, only his sons
• Macbeth sends a third murderer after the other two to ensure the job is done correctly
• This action shows Macbeth's complete lack of trust in anything and anyone
• Despite having three murderers on the case, Fleance still escapes, showing Macbeth's downward spiral
• The scene demonstrates Macbeth's inconsistency and changeability in believing and trying to change fate
• Macbeth believes what he wants to believe, showing signs of a weak or immature character
• Macbeth's actions of paying murderers to kill his friends raise the question of whether he is a monster
• Despite believing in the same fate that brought him to this point, Macbeth's actions seem futile
• Macbeth's downward spiral is evident at this point in the play