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Macbeth - Act 3, scene 4

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Act 3, scene 4.

As Macbeth’s banquet begins, one of Banquo’s murderers appears at the door to tell Macbeth of Banquo’s death and Fleance’s escape. Returning to the table, Macbeth is confronted by Banquo’s ghost, invisible to all but Macbeth. While Lady Macbeth is able to dismiss as a momentary fit Macbeth’s expressions of horror at the ghost’s first appearance, the reappearance of the ghost and Macbeth’s outcries in response to it force Lady Macbeth to send all the guests away. Alone with Lady Macbeth, Macbeth resolves to meet the witches again. He foresees a future marked by further violence.

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Act 3, Scene 4 (The Banquet Scene)

Act 3, Scene 4 is a very important and effective scene and is a turning point for the rest of the play.

        Immediately before the scene was the murder of Banquo, one of Macbeths closest Conrad. And because of this relationship the two had, it makes it an evil and horrible murder as it was Macbeth who demanded it happened. It’s a new type of evil and Macbeths second and deepest step to evil yet.

        This scene is a build up to the one that follows, and creates dramatic tension as the audience asks will Macbeth find it hard to concede guilt and will there be any concience to the evil being that sometime we feel sorry for, Macbeth.

        The Banquet scene is a total contrast to the one before. Good order in the kingdom will be shown if the banquet goes well, Macbeths fait will also be crystal clear by the end and what his future will be, if any at all.

        This scene “symbolises the last supper” in which Jesus was betrayed by one of his disciples, “Judas.” It’s as if we now what’s about to happen. It’s the last time Macbeth will ever sit down with his allies and friends to share food in perfect harmony.

        Some questions are also brought up in this scene. How will the lords react to Macbeth as the unnatural king of Scotland? And will Macbeth be able to cope with his stained guilt.

        In the versions that I have seen on screen the banquet scene always seems to start with a sombre atmosphere and this atmosphere is tainted right from the start by the entrance of the murderers.

“I am cabined, cribbed, confined, bound is

To saucy doubts and fears…”

Macbeth says. Even at the banquet that he has arranged he is surrounded by his evil sins. His guilt has become even harder to conceal. One of the murderers even has blood on his face.

        It’s ironic though because as the murderers entered Macbeth was trying to present himself as a leader in control. And even when Macbeth seems to have order established again something else happens, he can’t control the banquet so how can he control a country.

        Macbeth has become trapped and he is not sorry, in fact he’s self-pitying,

“I had else been perfect”

Macbeth’s fear is conveyed by the powerful rhythm of the poetry on lines 21 to 25. It very strong with one constant beat after another. To me it represents the beating of a heart, which is strong but dies with

But Banquo’s safe”

         The Banquet must go on thought, Macbeth must attempt to create order, which he has already lost at his banquet and asks

“Sit down in order of ranks”

         Tension is increases even more by Lady Macbeth calling Macbeth back to the banquet table. She’s trying to hide Macbeth’s strange behaviour but instead attracts more.

“My royal lord,

You do not give the cheer;”

Not only is lady Macbeth breaking into his thoughts she also tries to bring him back to reality, reminding him of his public duties. Is a man who has private fear able to carry out public duties?

        The fears I talk about are those that were created from the very beginning with the witched prophecies.

“All hail Macbeth, hail to thee, Thane of Glamis”

“All hail Macbeth, hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor”

“All hail Macbeth, that shalt be King here after”

        After this Macbeth’s world is turned up side down, as he will do anything to achieve the title, which were predicted. Some were given to him others he murdered for. Including his very first, Duncan, the authorisation of the murder of Banquo and later on the authorisation of the murder of Macduffs family.

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        All these murders relate to the Banquet scene because all of his dangerous deeds especially the murder of his conrad Banquo, cause his later to hallucinate the ghost of Banquo. These hallucinations make the hole of Scotland believe he is insane and unable to rule the hole of the land.

        Shakespeare creates a cue for the first appearance of Banquo’s ghost, this cue is when Macbeths lies and pretends he doesn’t now of the murder of Banquo.

“Were the graced person of Banquo present

Who may I rather challenge for unkindness

Than pity for mischance”

He’s summoning in a way for Banquo’s ghost to appear as he tries to hide the guilt of what he’s done.

        When the ghost does appear the dramatic device of an “empty” chair could be used. Every time the play is produced, the director has to decide weather to leave the chair “empty” or fill it with the deceased Banquo. Both have their advantages.

        An “empty” chair would of made Macbeth seem just as or even more insane than Shakespeare would of intended. It would also give the audience the same feeling as those at the banquet not quite knowing what he’s doing. The imaginations of the audience would be used a lot more if the chair were left “empty” which could be a good or a bad thing.

        Where as if the character were shown it would become very clear what was happening and exactly as the director feels it should be. It may become a slight farce though.

        In my opinion an empty chair give the best effect as it creates tension and if Macbeth is played well then portrays his madness in the way I believe Shakespeare intended it to be.

        When Macbeth sees the ghost of Banquo his behaviour changes, he starts act differently and seems to start behaving as if he was going insane. Lady Macbeth though only shows scorn towards her husband manner.

“This is the very painting of your fear;

This is the air drawn dagger which you said

Led you to Duncan, O, These flaws and starts”

She is looking down on him and reflects an important these in the play of how Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are being slowly torn apart and is slowly driving Lady Macbeth insane as well.

        It’s ironic because Macbeth goes from being manipulates by Lady Macbeth, an example being where he murders Duncan,

“But screw your courage to the sticking place

And we’ll not fail.”

To where he is driving her mad with his behaviour.

        Another theme which, is echoed here is when Lady Macbeth questions Macbeth,

“ Are you a man”

Throughout the play there is the theme of what it takes to be a man.

“When you durst do it, then you were a man”

is another example of it. This is in Act 1 scene 7 in which Lady Macbeth tells Macbeth is he murder’s Duncan then he will be a man. Here again she is controlling Macbeth.

        So why is Macbeth the only person to see the ghost of Banquo? I believe it’s because Macbeths the only one with lots of guilt and a dirty concience. I think that Macbeth is hallucinating. In Shakespearean times though many people would have believed in the existence of creatures such as ghosts, many more than those who do today. Those who do believe would possibly say that because Macbeth was the one who was behind the crime then Banquo came back to haunt him and no one else.

        Another theme in the play is unnatural disturbances in nature, this scene resurrects this theme. In Macbeth’s speech lines seventy-five to eighty-three he talks about how the raising of the dead is even stranger than a murder, how can an unnatural act of nature be even stranger than an unnatural act of a human being?

        From the very beginning we hear of these unnatural acts from the witches speeches.

“If fair is foul then foul is fair”

         This quote is also very relevant when we think about how once Macbeth became a hero in Scotland due to him being a good warrior and his victorious killings. But now he’s killing not in battle but in cold blood. It’s cold-blooded murder.

        Back to the banquet though it’s essential we consider why every time Macbeth tries to pretend that there is nothing unnatural in his behaviour and tries to act like the true rightful king, the ghost appears. An example of this is,

“I have a strange infirmity which is nothing

To those that know me, come, love and health to all,

Then I’ll sit down, give me some wine; fill full”

Then the ghost of Banquo appears or is it Macbeth’s conscience, has his guilt and owns mind made him imagine the ghost. I believe that because Banquo was Macbeths closest Conrad, when he pretends nothings happened Banquo who is very angry and upset with Macbeth appears and makes his thoughts known.

Also as he tries to act as the true and rightful king he becomes more nervous and his behaviour start to drop below the normal. That’s exactly it “he’s acting like the true and rightful king”, he isn’t, he killed to get to the throne and now he’s there he can’t live with himself.

Shakespeare uses lots of devises to make the audience “see” what Macbeth is seeing. He uses metaphor paradoxes and outrageous descriptions.

“Approach thou like the rugged Russian bear,

The arm'd rhinoceros, or the  tiger;”

“The baby of a girl. Hence, horrible shadow!

Unreal , hence!”

Are both fantastic examples of this. It draws the audience into the scene and makes them want to see what Macbeth is seeing, it makes the audience’s imaginations work and by Shakespeare using all of these wild metaphors its creates atmosphere and creates great imagery. It creates imagery of the ghost and also of Macbeth’s terror. There’s lots of strong angry metaphors and everything he says in this speech brings images to our minds. The theme of disturbances in nature is also mentioned as shown in my quotes above.

When the Banquet is brought to the end it is brought to an end with great significance. Lady Macbeth gives in realising Macbeth has failed in trying to show order in the Kingdom. She says,

“I pray you, speak not; he grows worse and worse; Question enrages him. At once, good night:”

The banquet also ends in a total opposite way as it started, at the beginning Macbeths ask,

“You know your own degrees; sit down: at first And last the hearty welcome.”

Where as when asking everyone to leave Lady Macbeth demands,

“Question enrages him. At once, good night: Stand not upon the order of your going, But go at once.”

The end of the banquet and the chaos during shows us many things, one being that those who are deemed strong for doing something such as killing in battle are very week when running a country which they do not deserve. Another being that Regicide creates disorder in a kingdom. As soon as law and order is demolished havoc is created. A modern day example of this is in Iraq, where after the fall of their leader, however right or wrong it was people started looting, murdering and started kidnapping hostages.

        Macbeths speech line 122 to 126 bring out one of the themes of the play.

“It will have blood; they say, blood will have blood:”

This is a very important quote, it’s a paradox and is very similar to those of the witches at the beginning of the play.

“When the battle’s lost and won”

To put this into context it could be saying that macbeth won the battle against the norwegians and he won it for the king but as soon as he murdered he lost.,         nature is once again brought up as it is through out not only this scene but the whole play. macbeths asks,.

“By magot-pies and choughs and rooks brought forth The secret'st man of blood. What is the night?”

A moral which could be taken away from this scene could be If you do an evil deed you will pay in extraordinary ways, in this case through starting to go crazy and see ghosts. A very important thing that we must pay attention to is how Macbeth couldn’t hide his conscience, and how can you? It’s some that with you all the time and that can’t escape you, it’s like a plague as the only thing you can do to demolish it is it correct it.

        There are also a lot of references to time,

“The secret'st man of blood. What is the night?”

“Almost at odds with morning, which is which.”

It’s as if they’re both saying what does it matter, they’ve become so detached from the real world there even getting confused with times. To Macbeth time is an ordeal as his conscience plays on him. Life is long and painful.

        There is also lots of time referenced in act 5 scene 5,

“There would have been a time for such a word. To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow, Creeps in this petty pace from day to day To the last syllable of recorded time, And all our yesterdays have lighted fools”

        Time means nothing to Macbeth.

        Macbeth’s final speech in this scene dramatises the change that has been taking place in his character since the murder of Duncan.

        Right from the witches’ prophecies he starts to change into the evil Macbeth we see nearer the end of the play. He goes from being a soldier loved by all to a dictator who keeps spies in all his nobleman’s homes.

“There’s not a one of them but in his house

I keep a servant feed”

Is how we now this. This tells us he doesn’t trust anyone, he’s suspicious and is showing a sign of weakness. It’s like soviet Russia of the 1980’s or Nazi Germany from the 1940’s.

        He also says

“… I am in blood

stepped in so far that should wade no more”

This tells us that he’s got in so much trouble he can’t escape from what he has done, there’s no turning back and he can’t turn back the hand of time.

        Macbeth isn’t going to feel any pity, as he hasn’t changed from what he’s become.

“ We are yet but young in deed”.

He feels that he has started his reign of terror and that he has a long time left. He hasn’t learnt a thing.

        This is a very dramatic line and one of the most important in this scene. Macbeth doesn’t see why he should make things better when he is already in very deep trouble with how he’s feeling and how his country is running. This is also a line where he concedes what he has done and has become and tells he has no control over him self.

        This realisation plays on Lady Macbeth and is a key factor in driving her insane. The whole scene drives her insane and during Act 5 Scene 1 she says,

“… I tell you yet again, Banquo’s buried; he cannot

come out”

She’s referring back to Act 3 Scene 4 and how much Macbeth’s behaviour and actions have affected her.

        Act 3 Scene 4 is a vital scene in the whole of the play. If it wasn’t for this scene, how would we start to see this play as a tragedy. With out this scene many things would not happen. Lady Macbeth would not of gone insane, yet another tragedy would not of happened. But most importantly Macbeth would have carried on behaving how he was. As an evil man not caring about how his people are being treated but only for his greed. The appearance of Banquo’s ghost at the banquet created sympathy for Macbeth as he gave in and realised what he had become.  

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Macbeth - Act 3, Scene 4 Summary & Analysis

Act 3, Scene 4 Summary

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William Shakespeare's play "Hamlet" is a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences with its complex characters and intricate plot. One of the most memorable scenes in the play is Act 3, Scene 4, also known as the "closet scene." This scene is crucial in understanding the dynamics between Hamlet and his mother, Queen Gertrude, as well as shedding light on Hamlet's inner turmoil and descent into madness.

In Act 3, Scene 4, Hamlet confronts his mother in her closet, demanding that she confess her sins and repent for her hasty marriage to his uncle, Claudius. The scene is filled with tension and emotional intensity, as Hamlet's anger and frustration reach a boiling point. Throughout the scene, Hamlet's language is sharp and cutting, reflecting his deep-seated resentment towards his mother and his sense of betrayal.

Queen Gertrude, on the other hand, is torn between her loyalty to her son and her husband. She struggles to understand Hamlet's accusations and pleas, torn between her love for her son and her desire to protect her new husband. Gertrude's character is complex and multi-dimensional, as she grapples with conflicting emotions and loyalties. Her inability to see the truth of her actions adds to the tragic nature of the scene.

As the scene unfolds, Hamlet's madness becomes more pronounced, as he sees the ghost of his father and engages in a heated exchange with his mother. The tension between mother and son escalates, culminating in a moment of violence that shocks both characters and the audience. Hamlet's erratic behavior and emotional outbursts serve to highlight his inner turmoil and psychological unraveling, as he struggles to come to terms with his father's death and his mother's betrayal.

In conclusion, Act 3, Scene 4 of "Hamlet" is a pivotal moment in the play that delves deep into the psyche of its characters and explores themes of betrayal, loyalty, and madness. The scene is a powerful depiction of the complexities of human relationships and the destructive nature of unresolved emotions. Shakespeare's masterful writing and nuanced characterizations make this scene a standout moment in a play filled with timeless themes and unforgettable characters.

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The purpose of the scene in Act 3, Scene 1 of William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" is pivotal in driving the tragic narrative forward while also showcasing the themes of fate, love, and violence. Set in the hot streets of Verona, this scene marks a turning point in the play, where the actions of the characters have far-reaching consequences. Firstly, this scene serves as the catalyst for the tragic events that follow. The confrontation between Mercutio, Tybalt, and Romeo escalates tensions to a point of no return. Mercutio's fatal altercation with Tybalt, followed by Romeo's retaliation, sets off a chain reaction of events leading to the ultimate demise of the titular characters. Shakespeare masterfully uses this scene to demonstrate how impulsive actions driven by anger and pride can have dire consequences, ultimately leading to tragedy. Moreover, Act 3, Scene 1 highlights the theme of fate and the inevitability of the characters' destinies. Despite Romeo's attempts to avoid violence and make peace with Tybalt, fate intervenes, leading to Mercutio's death and Romeo's subsequent banishment. The scene underscores the idea that the characters are bound by forces beyond their control, reinforcing the tragic nature of their love story. Additionally, this scene deepens the portrayal of love in the play. Romeo's love for Juliet, which initially seemed pure and idealistic, is tested as he grapples with the consequences of his actions. His impulsive decision to seek revenge for Mercutio's death ultimately leads to his separation from Juliet, highlighting the theme of love's complexities and sacrifices. Furthermore, Act 3, Scene 1 showcases the pervasive violence that permeates Verona's society. The street brawl between the Montagues and Capulets reflects the deep-seated animosity between the two families, fueled by years of rivalry and resentment. Shakespeare uses this scene to critique the destructive nature of violence and the devastating impact it has on individuals and communities. In conclusion, Act 3, Scene 1 of "Romeo and Juliet" serves as a pivotal moment in the play, advancing the plot while exploring key themes such as fate, love, and violence. Through masterful storytelling and vivid characterizations, Shakespeare crafts a scene that resonates with audiences, highlighting the tragic consequences of impulsive actions and the complexities of human emotion....

Hamlet Act 3 Scene 1 Analysis

In Act 3, Scene 1 of Shakespeare's iconic play "Hamlet," the audience is presented with a pivotal moment in the story. This scene is crucial in understanding the internal struggles of the protagonist, Hamlet, and sets the stage for the tragic events that unfold throughout the rest of the play. Through a close analysis of this scene, we can gain insight into Hamlet's complex character and the themes of madness, revenge, and mortality that permeate the play. One of the most striking aspects of Act 3, Scene 1 is Hamlet's famous soliloquy, "To be or not to be." In this introspective monologue, Hamlet contemplates the nature of existence and the idea of suicide. He grapples with the pain and suffering of life, questioning whether it is nobler to endure the hardships of the world or to end one's own suffering through death. This soliloquy reveals Hamlet's deep melancholy and his existential crisis, shedding light on his internal turmoil and the psychological complexity of his character. Furthermore, Act 3, Scene 1 also highlights the theme of madness, both real and feigned. Throughout the play, Hamlet's erratic behavior and erratic actions have led many characters to question his sanity. In this scene, Hamlet's interactions with Ophelia are particularly telling. His erratic behavior towards her, ranging from affection to cruelty, adds to the sense of unease and instability that pervades the play. This scene raises questions about the nature of madness and the thin line between sanity and insanity. Additionally, Act 3, Scene 1 sets the stage for the theme of revenge that drives much of the action in the play. Hamlet's desire to avenge his father's murder by his uncle, Claudius, is a central motivation for his actions throughout the play. In this scene, Hamlet is faced with the opportunity to kill Claudius while he is praying, but he hesitates, questioning the morality of his actions. This moment of indecision underscores the complexity of Hamlet's character and his struggle to reconcile his desire for revenge with his moral conscience. In conclusion, Act 3, Scene 1 of "Hamlet" is a crucial moment in the play that sheds light on the internal struggles of the protagonist and the themes of madness, revenge, and mortality that drive the narrative. Through a close analysis of this scene, we gain a deeper understanding of Hamlet's complex character and the psychological depth of Shakespeare's tragic masterpiece....

Romeo And Juliet Act 3 Scene 10 Analysis

In Act 3, Scene 1 of Shakespeare's timeless tragedy "Romeo and Juliet," the story takes a dramatic turn as the feud between the Montagues and Capulets escalates to a tragic climax. This pivotal scene serves as a turning point in the play, setting the stage for the events that will ultimately lead to the untimely deaths of the young lovers. The scene opens with a confrontation between Tybalt, a hot-headed Capulet, and Mercutio, a close friend of Romeo. Tybalt is seeking revenge for Romeo's presence at the Capulet's ball and challenges him to a duel. Mercutio, always ready for a fight, steps in to defend his friend, leading to a fatal altercation that results in his own death. This moment of violence sets off a chain reaction of events that will ultimately seal the fate of Romeo and Juliet. Following Mercutio's death, Romeo seeks vengeance against Tybalt and the two engage in a heated battle. In a moment of passion and rage, Romeo kills Tybalt, leading to his banishment from Verona. This act of violence not only deepens the divide between the two families but also sets the stage for the tragic events that will follow. As the scene comes to a close, the consequences of the characters' actions become clear. The deaths of Mercutio and Tybalt serve as a stark reminder of the destructive power of hatred and violence. The scene ends on a somber note, with the realization that the feud between the Montagues and Capulets has cost the lives of two young men and set in motion a series of events that will ultimately lead to the deaths of Romeo and Juliet. In conclusion, Act 3, Scene 1 of "Romeo and Juliet" is a pivotal moment in the play that sets the stage for the tragic events that will follow. Through the deaths of Mercutio and Tybalt, Shakespeare explores the destructive power of hatred and violence, ultimately leading to the untimely demise of the young lovers. This scene serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of unchecked animosity and the tragic cost of feuding families....

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Macbeth Act 1 Scenes 3 & 4: Detailed Analysis Lesson

Subject: English

Age range: 14-16

Resource type: Lesson (complete)

Last updated

22 August 2024

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Enhance your students’ analytical skills with this comprehensive lesson on Macbeth, designed to deepen their understanding of Shakespeare’s use of tension, dramatic irony, and paradox. This 90-minute lesson (or two one-hour lessons) guides students through key segments of Acts 3 and 4, helping them unpick the Bard’s meaning with structured support and discussion prompts. Ideal for Key Stages 3 and 4, this lesson is perfect for exploring how Macbeth’s ambition begins to consume him as the witches’ prophecies unfold.

Resource Highlights:

• 27 Fully-Prepared Slides: All the resources you need for a complete, engaging lesson.
• In-Depth Literary Analysis: Focuses on Shakespeare’s use of tension, dramatic irony, and the impact of the witches’ prophecies.
• Teacher Support: Detailed discussion questions and provided answers ensure you can guide students effectively.

Learning Outcomes: Comprehensive Understanding: Students will read and interpret key scenes from Acts 3 and 4. Collaborative Analysis: Encourages group discussions and class engagement to deepen analysis. Focused Literary Device Exploration: Students will learn to identify and explain the effect of literary devices such as dramatic irony and paradox.

Lesson Breakdown: Do It Now: A quick 90-second recall on Jacobean beliefs in witches to set the context. Starter: Introduce key literary terms, followed by a guided reading and discussion of Act 3, Scene 1, leading to a 100-word student summary. Activity One: Delve into Act 3, Scene 4 with student-led discussions and summary writing. Plenary: Students reflect on how Shakespeare builds tension, using key vocabulary to articulate their thoughts.

Why Choose This Resource? Designed for Confidence-Building: Helps students feel secure in their analysis of complex texts. Ready to Use: Download and start teaching immediately with no prep required.

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A bundle is a package of resources grouped together to teach a particular topic, or a series of lessons, in one place.

Macbeth lesson and homework bundle!

This bundle contains: * A detailed knowledge organiser containing key quotes, facts about Shakespeare and a character summary! * An engaging lesson introducing the context of Macbeth. * A detailed lesson introducing the characters and themes of the play (including all teacher instructions). * A detailed lesson introducing the themes in act 1 scene 1. * A lesson introducing Macbeth in act 1 scene 2. * A detailed lesson on act 1 scenes 3 and 4. * A detailed lesson on act 1 scene 5 analysing Lady Macbeth's soliloquy. * A lesson examining the persuasive techniques used by Lady Macbeth in act 1 scene 7. * A lesson guiding students to analysing Macbeth's soliloquy in act 2 scene 1. * A lesson on independent STEAL analysis in act 2 scene 2. * A lesson on dramatic tension in act 2 scene 3. * An extension task/homework sheet for further application of the skills analysed in act 1 scene 7. * Detailed character profiles of the five main characters: Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, King Duncan, Banquo and the three witches. * A Shakespeare pub-style quiz with 40 questions about the Bard! * A homework menu to give students ownership over their extended study. Leave a review and choose any other resource for free from the [LikeAnExpert](https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/LikeAnExpert) shop.

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