Question

macbeth guided notes 3.1-3.3
vocabulary
as you read, write down other unfamiliar words.
posterity: future generations/descendents
verities: truths
’twixt: between
without: outside
dauntless: showing fearlessness and determination
sundry: of various kinds, several, various
assailable: vulnerable to attack; undefended
yawning peal:
characters
as you read, write information about the character.
banquo macbeth’s friend
macbeth warrior
lady macbeth macbeth’s wife
attendant, servant the king’s servant
first murderer accused of the murder
second murderer accused of the murder
third murderer accused of the murder
hecate: greek goddess of witchcraft (no speaking role)
summary
write 2-4 sentences summarizing the scene(s), depending on its length.
in scene i, macbeth stumbles upon the servant and the murders. in scene ii, macbeth and lady macbeth have a talk. in scene iii, the fruition has to deal with an evil plot.
questions

1. where have malcolm and donalbain gone, and what does macbeth say they are doing there?

malcom and donalbain have gone to england and ireland.

1. look at macbeth’s soliloquy starting at line 47. what aspect of macbeth’s situation makes him fear banquo?
2. how have the characters of macbeth and lady macbeth changed over the past few scenes? think back to act i, scenes v and vii.

Explanation:

To answer these questions about Macbeth, we analyze the text and character development:

Question 1

Malcolm and Donalbain (Duncan’s sons) have fled to England (Malcolm) and Ireland (Donalbain). Macbeth claims they have gone there to plot against Scotland (to “equivocate in damnèd lies” or to escape suspicion of Duncan’s murder by fleeing, though in reality, their flight makes them seem guilty in Macbeth’s narrative to justify his own actions).

Question 2

In Macbeth’s soliloquy (Act 3, Scene 1), he fears Banquo because the witches’ prophecy stated Banquo’s descendants would be kings. Banquo is noble, brave, and poses a threat to Macbeth’s throne, as Macbeth’s own rule is without heirs (or secure legacy), while Banquo’s line is fated to inherit power.

Question 3

• Macbeth: In Act 1, he was hesitant and guilt-ridden about killing Duncan (e.g., “Is this a dagger which I see before me?”). Now, he is ruthless and paranoid, plotting Banquo’s murder to secure his throne. He takes initiative in violence, driven by ambition and fear.
• Lady Macbeth: Initially, she was the driving force (e.g., “unsex me here,” urging Macbeth to kill Duncan). Now, she is tormented by guilt (sleepwalking, “Out, damned spot!”) and less in control, while Macbeth acts independently in his tyranny.

Answer:

s (Summarized):

1. Malcolm went to England, Donalbain to Ireland. Macbeth says they fled to plot against Scotland (or to avoid suspicion, framing them as guilty).
2. Macbeth fears Banquo because the witches’ prophecy promised Banquo’s descendants would be kings, and Banquo’s nobility/threat to Macbeth’s throne.
3. Macbeth became ruthless/paranoid (initiating murder), Lady Macbeth became guilt-ridden/tormented (losing control, sleepwalking).