Dramatically, Act 3, Scene 2 mirrors Act 1, Scene 5, with a murder being plotted.
However, roles have been reversed and Macbeth seems to be in control in this scene.
Both characters appear uneasy during this scene; power and status have not led to happiness.
Mirroring Lady Macbeth's "unsex me here", Macbeth seems to want to rid himself of "his bond" with humanity.

Common misconception

The murder of Banquo and Fleance (attempted) is the same as the murders that have preceded it.

Macbeth doesn't tell Lady Macbeth his plan, he hires murderers rather than doing it himself, and Fleance is a child.

Keywords

Parallels - If a scene or character parallels another, it means they are similar in some way. The slight differences will help us notice something new.
Mirrors - If a scene or character mirrors another, it reflects what has come before. The slight differences will help us notice something new.
Personify - When you personify something, you give something non-human human characteristics.
Humanity - Humanity is the quality that people possess which makes them kind, compassionate and connected to their fellow humans.

Both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are unhappy. There are many reasons for this: guilt, isolation, insecurity, but also, for Macbeth, a departure from his previous identity as a noble, loyal Thane. Use LC1 to dwell on the many strands of his unhappiness.

Teacher tip

Equipment

You need access to a copy of William Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of serious crime
Depiction or discussion of mental health issues

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.

In Act 3 of 'Macbeth', why does Macbeth want to kill Banquo and Fleance?

Banquo is next in line to the throne.

Macbeth is angry that Banquo called him spellbound by the prophecies.

Lady Macbeth asks him to in order to secure the throne.

Correct answer: The witches prophesied that Banquo's children would be kings.

The witches tell him to 'Beware Banquo'.

Q2.

Which best describe Macbeth's relationship with Lady Macbeth in Act 1 of 'Macbeth'?

Correct answer: He depends on her.

He values her obedience.

He is self-interested, and doesn't care about her.

He isolates himself from her, telling her only what is necessary.

Correct answer: He values her judgement.

Q3.

In Act 1 of 'Macbeth', what indications do we have that Macbeth is interested in the idea of being King of Scotland?

Correct answer: He is described as 'rap't' by the prophecies.

He invites Duncan to his castle so he can kill him.

Correct answer: He immediately tells Lady Macbeth of the prophecies.

Correct answer: He has a number of asides in which he contemplates the idea.

He wishes the witches would leave so he can think without their malign presence.

Q4.

In regards to 'Macbeth', which statements are valid in relation to the Macbeths and their children?

They had a child, but Lady Macbeth 'dash'd' its brains out.

Fleance is Macbeth's child.

Correct answer: We don't know if they had children, although there is a suggestion they did.

Malcolm is their child; he flees Scotland after the regicide.

We know they had children, but Macbeth didn't want them to inherit his legacy.

Q5.

In Act 1, Scene 4 of 'Macbeth', Macbeth says, 'Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep desires.' Which is the most powerful literary device used in this quotation?

metaphor

Correct answer: personification

assonance

foreshadowing

simile

Q6.

In Act 1, Scene 5 of 'Macbeth', Lady Macbeth says she is excited about the idea of monarchy, thinking about 'sovereign sway and '.

Correct Answer: masterdom, 'masterdom'

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.

In Act 3, Scene 1 of 'Macbeth', Macbeth says, 'Our fears in stick deep.'

Correct Answer: Banquo, banquo, 'Banquo', 'banquo'

Q2.

In Act 3 of 'Macbeth', how does Lady Macbeth describe her feelings as monarch?

'To be thus is nothing'

Correct answer: 'doubtful joy'

'ecstacy'

Correct answer: 'without content'

Q3.

In 'Macbeth', Lady Macbeth's soliloquy in 1.5 and Macbeth's speech in 3.2 reveal they want to rid themselves of a particular quality. Which quality?

guilt

femininity

ambition

Correct answer: humanity

loyalty

Q4.

Through the plot line of Banquo's murder in Act 3 of 'Macbeth', how does Shakespeare indicate a change in Lady Macbeth's relationship with Macbeth?

He indicates diminished power, as she tries (and fails) to dissuade Macbeth.

Correct answer: He indicates some vulnerability, as she asks Macbeth 'What is to be done?'.

He indicates an ability to emasculate Macbeth: she asks 'What is to be done?'.

Correct answer: He indicates Lady Macbeth no longer controls Macbeth who plots the murder alone.

Q5.

In what ways does Act 3, Scene 2 of 'Macbeth' mirror Act 1, Scene 5?

Correct answer: Both scenes see deaths being plotted.

Both scenes reveal Lady Macbeth's dominance over Macbeth.

Both scenes reveal Macbeth's hesitancy about murder.

Both scenes see the couple working together.

Correct answer: Both scenes see a character reject their humanity.

Q6.

Which line from 3.2 of 'Macbeth' most closely mirrors Lady Macbeth's desire that 'night... Stop up the access and passage to remorse, That no compunctious visitings of nature Shake my fell purpose.'

Macbeth: 'Come, seeling night'

Macbeth: 'Better be with the dead'

Macbeth: 'To be thus is nothing'

Correct answer: Macbeth: 'Cancel and tear to pieces that great bond Which keeps me pale!'