Question

since i’m king, i could simply use my power to get rid of him. but i can’t do that, because he and i have friends in common whom i need, so i have to be able to moan and cry over his death in public even though i’ll be the one who had him killed. that’s why i need your help right now. i have to hide my real plans from the public eye for many important reasons.
second murderer
we’ll do what you want us to, my lord.
first murderer though our lives—
macbeth
(interrupts him) i can see the determination in your eyes. within the next hour i’ll tell you where to go and exactly when to strike. it must be done tonight, away from the palace. always remember that i must be free from suspicion. for the plan to work perfectly, you must kill both banquo and his son, fleance, who keeps him company. getting rid of fleance is as important to me as knocking off banquo. each of you should make up your own mind about whether you’re going to do this. i’ll come to you soon.
murderers we have decided, my lord. we’re in.
macbeth
i’ll call for you soon. stay inside.
murderers exit.
the deal is closed. banquo, if your soul is going to make it to heaven, tonight’s the night.
he exits.

1. what do the murderers agree to do? be specific.

the murderers agree to ____________
______________________________

1. how would you describe macbeth’s mental state at this point? why?

macbeth’s mental state is ________
______________________________
because _______________________
______________________________
______________________________

Explanation:

Question 6

From the dialogue, Macbeth asks the murderers to kill Banquo and his son Fleance, and the murderers (after Macbeth's request) respond with "We have decided, my lord. We're in." Also, Macbeth says it must be done tonight, away from the palace, and they agree to follow his plan to kill both Banquo and Fleance that night as he instructs (with him later telling them where to go and when to strike).

Macbeth's mental state here can be described as paranoid and scheming. He is worried about Banquo and Fleance (due to the prophecy), so he is plotting their murder while also trying to cover his tracks (needing to mourn publicly to avoid suspicion). He is also manipulative, as he is getting others to do his dirty work and is concerned with maintaining his image. The reason is that he is plotting murder to secure his power, worried about the prophecy regarding Banquo's descendants, and is carefully planning to avoid being suspected, showing his guilt - ridden yet power - hungry and devious mindset (he has to pretend to mourn while arranging the killing, and is desperate to eliminate threats to his throne).

Answer:

kill both Banquo and his son Fleance tonight, away from the palace, following Macbeth's instructions on where to go and when to strike (or more concisely: kill Banquo and Fleance tonight as Macbeth directs)

Question 7