Macbeth, Act 3

Scene 1

• opens with Banquo contemplating the witches prophecies.
• How can Macbeth be King but then Banquo's line also be in line for the throne?
• Macbeth soliloquy: cautious of Banquo.
• "fruitless crown" and "barren sceptre" macsuline imagery, phallic. Can Macbeth have children? If not, is that why Banguo's children are in line to be King?
• Macbeth meets with murderers, orders them to kill Banquo

Scene 2

• Macbeth and Lady Macbeth appear distressed
• Macbeth still feels threatened

Scene 3

• Murderers kill Banquo, however his son, Fleance, witnesses it and flees

Scene 4

• Macbeth learns that Banquo is dead, but Fleance got away
• Banquo's ghost is sat in Macbeth's chair at the table, only seen by Macbeth.
• Macbeth plans to go see the witches

Scene 5

• opens on a heath, three witches and queen of the witches talk of Macbeth, and what has happened on previous meetings

Scene 6

• Fleance is being accused of killing Banquo
• Lennox plans to warn Macduff to stay in England