Macbeth: Introductory Guide - Act 3

Rastrick High School 2019-2020

Year 9

Student name:

Introduction

As part of your GCSE studies, you will be learning “Macbeth”- a play

by William Shakespeare.

You will be examined on this at the end of year 11. At Rastrick High

School, we first study the play at the end of year 9. This is to give you

clear understanding of:

● The characters of the play.

● The plot of the play.

● The main themes in the play.

● Key quotes from the play.

Each week, you will be given a new section of the play to study. This

booklet contains new information about Act 3 of the play.

The first few pages of this booklet contain the same background

notes as previous booklets. You may wish to re-read this in order to

refresh your memory.

Using this booklet

The key sections of this booklet are:

1) Characters

2) Context

3) Terminology

4) Plot- this section will be updated weekly with each new act of the

plot.

5) Revision activities

Throughout the booklet, you will find blue boxes. These contain

short quizzes for you to complete as you go. The answers to these

quizzes are at the back of the booklet. You should write out your

answers to these quizzes as well as your answers to any other key

questions throughout the booklet.

At the end of each act, you are expected to complete a short essay.

There is also a model essay to help you.

If you have any questions about the information in this booklet,

please e-mail your English teacher.

Characters

Macbeth The protagonist (main character) of the play. At the

beginning of the play, Macbeth is a Thane (Lord) in

Scotland. He rules over the area of Glamis. He is later

given control of the area of Cawdor as a reward for his

bravery from the king. He is well-respected by other

Thanes and highly regarded by the king. He leads the

Scottish army as a chief general and is considered a

great fighter. However, Macbeth is an ambitious man

and develops a hunger for power during the play.

Adjectives to describe Macbeth: Brave, ambitious,

flawed, naive, guilt-ridden.

Lady Macbeth Macbeth’s wife. Lady Macbeth is presented as a very unusual woman for the time during which the play is set. Whereas most women at the time were expected to do exactly as they were told by their husbands, Lady Macbeth has a lot of control over her husband. She is presented as manipulative and power hungry. She encourages Macbeth to gain power- whatever the cost. Adjectives to describe Lady Macbeth: Manipulative, ruthless, dominating, ambitious.

King Duncan Duncan is the King of Scotland at the start of the play. He is a popular and well-loved King. He is known for being a good and fair leader. However, he has an unfortunate habit of trusting the wrong person. Adjectives to describe Duncan: moral, just, fair, naïve.

Banquo Macbeth’s best friend. Banquo is also a Scottish nobleman and acts a leader in the Scottish army at the beginning of the play. Adjectives to describe Banquo: loyal, calm, wise, cynical.

The Witches Three witches who appear throughout the play. The Witches like nothing more than causing chaos and destruction. They take pleasure in manipulating men to perform evil deeds. Adjectives to describe the witches: evil, manipulative, supernatural.

Malcolm Duncan’s first born son. During the play he is made Prince of Cumberland. He is expected to be King after his father dies. He proves himself to be a fair and brave man. Adjectives to describe Malcolm: loyal, just, intelligent.

Donalbain Duncan’s younger son and Malcolm’s younger brother.

Macduff The Thane of Fife. Macduff is a Scottish nobleman who is extremely loyal to his King. He is a fierce warrior and a strong believer in justice. He does not trust Macbeth. Adjectives to describe Macduff: Loyal, brave, moral.

Lennox A Scottish nobleman.

Ross A Scottish nobleman.

Fleane Banquo’s son. He is normally presented as a young child during the play.

Seyton Macbeth’s chief servant.

Siward The Earl of Northumberland. An English nobleman. He is a well-respected soldier and leads the English army during the play.

Young Siward Siward’s son. A skilled fighter.

Please note: As well as the characters listed here, there are a number of

servants and minor characters who appear in individual scenes throughout the

play.

Please note: You have been provided with adjectives to describe the main

characters only.

Context

Before we study a text, it is important we understand the ideas and

environment that influenced the writer. This is called context. For

example, a story written during the First World War may have been

influenced by the context of the war.

So, in this section, we are going to look at a number of historical

details which influenced William Shakespeare when he wrote

“Macbeth”.

The Jacobean era- This is a phrase you will hear a lot when studying

Macbeth. Basically, it means the years 1603-1625. This was the

period when James I was the King of England. “Macbeth” was written

in 1606, very early in the reign of James I.

James I- James I was the first Scottish King to rule England. He

became King after his cousin, Elizabeth I (the last Tudor monarch),

died. James I’s last name was Stuart and his descendants would rule

England until 1714.

However, he initially wasn’t a very popular King with certain people

in England. One reason behind this was because he was Scottish and

the English and Scottish had traditionally been enemies. Another

reason was because he was a strict Protestant and disliked Catholics.

A group of Catholics even tried blowing him up in 1605- this became

known as the Gun Powder Plot. It is important to remember that the

vast majority of people during the Jacobean era were Christians.

Religion was a very important part of life and Christian beliefs shaped

a lot of the society’s values.

James I was used to having absolute power in Scotland, whereas in

England the King had to have the support of Parliament in order to

make laws. Some people think that Shakespeare wrote “Macbeth” in

order to show James I what the English expected of a good King.

The Supernatural- During James I’s reign, there was a great deal of

interest in the supernatural. In particular, people became interested

in witches. The Jacobeans believed that witches existed and that

they were servants of the Devil. Witches were often put on trial and

burned to death. Unfortunately, we now know that these were just

ordinary women who were normally innocent of any crime. James I

was so obsessed with witches that he wrote a book on the subject,

“Daemonologie”.

Theatre- During this period in history, theatre was a very popular

form of entertainment. Shakespeare was the most popular

playwright of his day. He was so popular in fact that his theatre

company (the group of actors he worked with most often) was

sponsored by King James, they became known as The King’s Men.

Many people think that Shakespeare wrote “Macbeth” because he

knew the King would like it and he wanted to impress his new boss.

Scotland- There was a lot of interest in Scotland in the Jacobean

period as the new King of England was Scottish. The play “Macbeth”

was actually based on a book of Scottish history called “Holinshed’s

Chronicles” which mentioned a real life Scottish King called Macbeth

who ruled in the 11th Century. Shakespeare’s play is set at the same

time but he made up most of the details.

Natural order- The Jacobeans firmly believed in the idea of “natural

order”. This basically means that everything has a natural place in

the world as chosen by God. So, if you were born poor, God had

chosen you to be poor. This meant that the King was chosen by God

and so if you challenged the King then you were going against God.

This is called the “divine right of kings” meaning that kings can do

what they want because they are chosen by God.

Themes

A theme is a main idea or message within a piece of writing or other

creative work. For example, if you think back to studying A Christmas

Carol in year 7, one of the main themes in this novel was charity.

The main themes you need to be aware in “Macbeth” are:

Ambition- Throughout the play, Shakespeare shows how Macbeth’s

ambition causes problems for himself and others.

Chaos and Order- The witches are characters that cause chaos and

this leads to death and violence. On the other hand, a good King is

shown to create a sense of order and peace.

Duty- This is an idea closely linked to order. Shakespeare shows how

failing in your duty to the King and your country can have disastrous

consequences.

Greed- Some people think this play’s main message is about the

impact of being greedy for power.

Honour- Throughout the play, Shakespeare shows how the

characters who have a strict sense of honour are rewarded.

Leadership- Shakespeare contrasts the leadership style of several

characters throughout “Macbeth”. One of the main questions he

asks in the play is: what makes an effective King?

Madness- Several characters show signs of madness in the play. This

is linked to the chaos caused by the witches’ influence.

The Supernatural- As shown by the disruption caused by the witches.

Trust- Many of the problems in the play are caused by characters

betraying the trust of others or appearing to be trustworthy but

actually lying.

Violence- Macbeth is one of Shakespeare’ most violent plays. There

are two full battles in the play and several murders.

Terminology

In this section, I will explain some key words and phrases which you

need to understand before studying the play. If there are any other

words you are unsure of, please check a dictionary online or ask your

English teacher.

Dramatic terms

Act- A large section of a play. There are 5 acts in a play. The 3rd act of

a play acts as a turning point in the action of the play. Each act is

made up of several scenes.

Scene-A section of an act based in one location with no break in

time. There are several scenes within one act of a play.

Dialogue- Spoken words exchanged by two or more characters.

Soliloquy- A speech where one character expresses their thoughts

and feelings to the audience, alone on stage.

Aside- A break in dialogue where a character speaks to the audience.

The other characters on stage cannot hear them.

Lines- The unit of measurement of a character’s dialogue.

Verse- A line written in poetry. Most of the lines in Shakespeare’s

plays are written in verse. They have a regular rhythm.

Prose- Any form of language that is not poetry. When a character

speaks in prose during a Shakespearean play, it means that they are

either working class or their state of mind has changed.

Dramatic irony- When the audience knows or realises something

which the characters do not.

Tragic genre

Tragedy- A play about unpleasant events with an unhappy ending.

“Macbeth” is a tragedy.

Tragic hero- The main character of a tragedy.

Hamartia- A flaw in the tragic hero’s personality. This leads to their

downfall and tragic ending at the end of the play. Macbeth’s

hamartia is his ambition.

Catharsis- The moment when a tragic hero’s experiences leads to a

release of feelings of pity.

Anagnorisis- The moment when the tragic hero realises what

problems their actions have caused.

Peripeteia- A turning point during the play.

English specific terms

Pathetic Fallacy- The use of weather and setting to show the feelings

of humans within a text.

Metaphor- A word or phrase which is non-literal/symbolic of

something else.

Imagery- Visually descriptive language.

Motif- An idea or symbol which continually appears in a text.

Symbol- an object which is used to represent an idea.

Characterisation- The way a character is presented.

Foreshadowing - A warning or hint that something is going to

happen in the future.

Meter- The rhythm in a line of poetry. Most of “Macbeth” is written

in iambic pentameter (which means there are 10 beats per line). The

exception is the witches who speak in trochaic tetrameter (which

means there 8 syllables per line).

Juxtaposition- Placing two things next to each other in order to

highlight the contrasts and differences between them.

Inciting incident- The moment in a story when the character is placed

into the main drama or narrative.

Callback- When a reference is made to an event or phrase earlier in

the story.

Plot

We will provide you with the notes for each act in the play. Key

quotes for each act scene are in bold. Remember to complete your

quizzes for each scene and the final essay question.

Methods Metaphor- When Macbeth refers to wearing a “fruitless crown” in this soliloquy, he is saying that there is little point in him being King if his children (“fruit”) will not follow him. He feels he has killed Duncan only for Banquo’s family to be rewarded. Dramatic Irony- Banquo appears polite and loyal when speaking to Macbeth however the

Act 3 scene 1 The scene begins with a sollioquy from Banquo, shortly after Macbeth’s coronation. Banquo tells the audience that he suspects Macbeth of having cheated his way to the throne (But I fear thou played most foully for it). He goes on to say how he gains comfort from the second part of the Witches' prediction — that his own children will be kings. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth enter and begin questioning Banquo about his plans for the day. Having announced his intention to go riding with his son, Fleance, Banquo is persuaded by the Macbeths to return later that evening to their new palace at Forres for a special feast. Macbeth claims that Banquo will be the guest of honour (“our chief guest”) Banquo agrees to attend and leaves.

Context The role of a King- Macbeth has just had his coronation and been officially declared the King of Scotland. He is therefore planning a feast of all the Thanes of Scotland. This would be expected of him as a King and his first opportunity to impress his new subjects. A King was also expected to provide an heir, hence Macbeth’s fear of what the witches told Banquo.

Comprehension quiz 1 1) Name two things a Kings was expected to do. 2) Why is Macbeth worried by Banquo? 3) Who does Macbeth have kill Banquo?

Methods Foreshadowing- The doubt expressed by both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth here is the first hint of the madness which affects them both by the end of the play.

Act 3 scene 2 This short scene allows the audience once more into the private thoughts of Macbeth and his wife. As the hired killers make their way toward Banquo, Macbeth and his wife meet secretly. His wife attempts to soothe his troubled mind but ironically feels the same doubts herself. She expresses her concerns that they are not safe in their position of power (“our desire is got without content”). He feels that the

Context The divine right of kings- Macbeth is shown to increasingly attempt to rule without Lady Macbeth’s guidance at this point of the play.

audience is aware that Banquo has begun to fear his friend.

However, Macbeth realizes that the Witches' prophecy regarding Banquo represents a threat to his own position (“our fears in Banquo stick deep”). In particular he is concerned that the witches’ prophecy means that he will not have his own children to follow him as King. (“Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown.”) Unable to endure the thought of Banquo's descendants claiming his position, Macbeth summons two hired murderers and confirms with them prior arrangements for the killing of Banquo and Fleance.

Key questions 1) How is Macbeth’s madness and paranoia seen further in this scene? 2) Do you think Macbeth feels secure in his role as King? Why might this be the case?

Metaphors- Macbeth uses the metaphor of a “scorpion” to refer to the dark and poisonous thoughts in his own mind. Imperatives- Macbeth gives Lady Macbeth a direct order in this scene- “be innocent.” This represents a shift in the power dynamic of their relationship as formally she was the one who gave him the orders.

business that they began by killing Duncan is not yet complete because there are still threats to the throne that must be eliminated. He expresses his dark and tortured thoughts when he says “o full of scorpions is my mind.” Macbeth tells his wife that he has planned “a deed of dreadful note” for Banquo and Fleance and urges her to be cheerful and kind to Banquo during the evening’s feast, in order to lure their next victim into a false sense of security. When Lady Macbeth asks for further detail, he replies “be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck” which demonstrates a change in their relationship as he is now planning independently of her.

This perhaps reflects his belief in the divine right of kings. This is ironic as he has stolen the throne and so does not deserve absolute power in God’s eyes.

Key questions How is the theme of madness shown in this scene? How has Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s relationship changed since the beginning of the play?

Comprehension quiz 2 1) What does Macbeth mean when he says “o full of scorpions is my mind”? 2) What is different about the way Banquo’s murder has been planned compared to that of Duncan?

Methods Staging- Whilst the dialogue in this scene is very short, it is an important moment in the play. When performed, Banquo is often shown to fight bravely in order save his son.

Act 3, scene 3 It is dusk, and the two murderers, now joined by a third, linger in a wooded park outside the palace. Banquo and Fleance approach on their horses and dismount. They light a torch, and the murderers set upon them. The murderers kill Banquo, who dies urging his son to flee and to avenge his death (“thou may’st revenge”) . One of the murderers extinguishes the torch, and in the darkness Fleance escapes. The murderers leave with Banquo’s body to find Macbeth and tell him what has happened.

Context James I- It is significant that Fleance escapes in this scene. James I was apparently descended from a Scottish hero called Fleance and so Shakespeare’s inclusion of this character can be read as an attempt to compliment the King.

Key questions 1) How does the murder of Banquo compare to that of Duncan earlier in the play?

Comprehension quiz 3 1) How is the character of Fleance related to the real life James I? 2) Why has Banquo been killed?

Methods

Act 3 scene 4

Context

Imagery- As there is throughout the play, there are frequent references to blood throughout this scene. Macbeth claims to be so deeply stepped in blood that he has no choice but to move forward into deeper blood. In this instance, blood is a symbol for both guilt and violence. Symbolism- Banquo’s ghost is often interpreted to be a symbol of both Macbeth’s madness and his guilt, much like the dagger he saw in act 2 scene 1. Structure- In a tragedy, there is always a significant turning point in act 3. In Macbeth this turning point is the murder of Banquo and the subsequent “banquet scene” which ruin Macbeth’s reputation beyond repair and encourage

This is arguably the most

important scene in the play. It is

Macbeth’s first major public

appearance as King and his

chance to earn the respect of his

people. Onstage stands a table

heaped with a feast. Macbeth

and Lady Macbeth enter as king

and queen, followed by their

court, whom they bid welcome.

As Macbeth walks among the

company, the first murderer

appears at the doorway.

Macbeth speaks to him for a

moment, learning that Banquo

is dead and that Fleance has

escaped.

The news of Fleance’s escape

angers Macbeth—if only Fleance

had died, he muses, his throne

would have been secure.

Instead, “the worm that’s fled /

Hath nature that in time will

venom breed.”

Returning to his guests,

Macbeth goes to sit at the head

of the royal table but finds

Banquo’s ghost sitting in his

The role of the King- Macbeth has made an enormous mistake in this scene. In his first public appearance as King, he has begun to speak to thin air and made several references to blood and murder. He has essentially shown himself to be an unfit King in a very public setting.

him to commit further violence.

chair. The rest of the characters

see nothing but an empty stool.

Horror-struck, Macbeth speaks

to the ghost, which is invisible to

the rest of the company (“shake

not thy gory locks at me”). Lady

Macbeth makes excuses for her

husband, saying that he

occasionally has such “visions”

and that the guests should

simply ignore his behaviour.

Then she speaks to Macbeth,

questioning his manhood and

urging him to snap out of his

trance. The ghost disappears,

and Macbeth recovers, telling

his company: “I have a strange

infirmity which is nothing / To

those that know me”. As he

offers a toast to company,

however, Banquo’s ghost

reappears and shocks Macbeth

into further reckless outbursts.

Continuing to make excuses for

her husband, Lady Macbeth

sends the alarmed guests out of

the room as the ghost vanishes

again.

Macbeth mutters that “blood

will have blood” meaning that

violence leads to violence and

tells Lady Macbeth that he has

heard from a servant-spy that

Macduff intends to keep away

from court, behaviour that

verges on treason. He says that

he will visit the witches again

tomorrow in the hopes of

learning more about the future

and about who may be plotting

against him. He resolves to do

whatever is necessary to keep

his throne, declaring: “I am in

blood / Stepped in so far that,

should I wade no more, /

Returning were as tedious as go

o’er”. Lady Macbeth says that

he needs sleep, and they retire

to their bed.

Key questions Why is it significant that this is Macbeth’s first public appearance as King? How would the audience in the theatre react to arrival of Banquo’s ghost?

Comprehension quiz 4 1) Which characters can see Banquo’s ghost? 2) How does Lady Macbeth try to excuse her husband’s behaviour? 3) Which Thane was notably absent from the feast?

Methods

Act 3 scene 5 This scene is often cut from the play and many people actually believe it was not written by Shakespeare but was added to the play at a later date. In it, the three witches are shown meeting with Hecate, the chief witch. She punishes them for not telling her of their plans to ruin Macbeth’s life and declares her plan to take over the plot. It is not necessary to revise this scene.

Context

Key questions

Methods Symbolism- It is significant that this scene takes place at night which can be seen as a symbol of

Act 3 scene 6 That night, somewhere in Scotland, Lennox walks with another lord, discussing what has happened to the kingdom. Banquo’s murder has been

the darkness that Macbeth has caused in Scotland. It also shows how fearful the lords are of being caught as they can only meet at night. Bridging scene- This scene is important as it fills in the gaps of elements of the plot. We learn that Malcolm is gathering an army in England which is significant for later in the play. We also learn that Macduff has left Scotland and that Macbeth has earned a reputation for violence.

officially blamed on Fleance, who has fled. Nevertheless, both men suspect Macbeth, whom they call a “tyrant,” in the murders of Duncan and Banquo. The lord tells Lennox that Macduff has gone to England, where he will join Malcolm in pleading with England’s King Edward for aid. News of these plots has prompted Macbeth to prepare for war. Lennox and the lord express their hope that Malcolm and Macduff will be successful and that their actions can save Scotland from Macbeth.

Key questions How has Macbeth’s reputation changed by this point of the play?

Comprehension quiz 5 1) Which word from this scene means “cruel king”?

Revision tasks

Once you have finished all the notes on acts 1, 2 and 3, you can move on to the

following revision tasks.

Each should take you about 15-30 minutes. However, if you wish to spend

longer on each one then the more detail you include, the better.

1) Complete a flow chart of how Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s

relationship has changed during the play.

2) Create a list of at least 5 quotes which show violence in the play.

3) Create a list of at least 5 quotes which show madness in the play

so far.

4) Compare how the characters of Duncan, Banquo and Macbeth

have been shown in the play so far. Draw an image of each one and

label with quotes and adjectives to describe them.

5) Create a storyboard of the plot so far.

6) Lady Macbeth is the real villain of this story. To what extent do

you agree with this statement? Write your answer in full paragraphs.

7) Draw an Macbeth at the start of act 1 and label with quotes. Do

the same for him at the end of act 3.

8) Create a spider diagram for each of the key characters. Include

quotes and adjectives.

Comprehension quiz answers

Comprehension quiz 1 1) Name two things a Kings was expected to do. Celebrate their coronation and provide an heir. 2) Why is Macbeth worried by Banquo? Because the witches said that Banquo’s children would be Kings. 3) Who does Macbeth have kill Banquo? Two murderers

Comprehension quiz 2

1) What does Macbeth mean when he says “o full of scorpions is my mind”? He is metaphorically describing his poisonous thoughts 2) What is different about the way Banquo’s murder has been planned compared to that of Duncan? Macbeth has planned Banquo’s murder whereas Lady Macbeth planned the murder of Duncan

Comprehension quiz 3 1) How is the character of Fleance related to the real life James I? James I was descended from a Scottish hero called Fleance 2) Why has Banquo been killed? Because Macbeth saw him as a threat Comprehension quiz 4 1) Which characters can see Banquo’s ghost? Only Macbeth can see the ghost 2) How does Lady Macbeth try to excuse her husband’s behaviour? She claims he has “visions” 3) Which Thane was notably absent from the feast? Macduff

Comprehension quiz 5 1) Which word from this scene means “cruel king”?

Tyrant

Formative mini- assessment

How does Shakespeare present the character of Macbeth in Act 3

of the play?

Ideas to consider:

How has Macbeth’s attitude towards his wife changed?

How has Macbeth’s attitude to violence changed by this scene?

What is the significance of Banquo’s ghost in this act?

What is the significance of Macbeth promising to visit the witches at

the end of this passage?

Key vocabulary:

Cruel

Guilt-ridden

Immoral

Madness

Paranoia

Unemotional

Remorseless

Volatile

Model

At this half way stage of the play, Shakespeare shows how Macbeth

has become a remorseless killer. This is shown by how quickly he

begins planning the murder of Banquo. When he was planning to kill

Duncan in act 1, Macbeth was shown to be constantly conflicted

about whether to go through with the murder and was wracked with

guilty feeling after going through with as shown when he declared

“Macbeth has murdered sleep” showing that felt as if he would

never be able to sleep again to the guilt. In contrast, the murder of

Banquo is planned quickly and independently. He is willing to kill his

best friend simply because he has a “fear” of Banquo and he resents

the fact that the witches said that Banquo’s children would be Kings.

His lack of remorse is also shown by the fact that he hires murderers

to kill Banquo which arguably indicates his lack of care for his friend.

It is further demonstrated by his treatment of his wife as, when she

asks what his plan is, he tells her to “be innocent of the knowledge.”

This suggests that he is unwilling to share his plan with his wife but

also that he is comfortable enough when committing murder that he

doesn’t need her help, unlike earlier in the play. Arguably,

Shakespeare is trying to highlight how Macbeth’s earlier violent

actions have led to further violence. Perhaps he is trying to

demonstrate the chaos and violence caused by breaking the great

chian of being.

Use the following structure to help you as you write your own

answer to the question above:

What is Macbeth presented as?

How does Shakespeare show this through the text?

Why might Shakespeare have chosen to present Macbeth this way?

You should aim to write at least 3 full paragraphs.