1. As Act III begins, Banquo is reflecting on what has happened to Macbeth. What 3 events does he state and what does he hope for himself ? (Use concrete details)
2. What reason does Macbeth give the murderers for wanting Banquo killed? What reason does he give for not doing it himself? (Use concrete details)
3. Why do you think Macbeth does not tell Lady Macbeth about his plan to murder Banquo and Fleance? (Use concrete details)
4. When Banquo's ghost enters the banquet, what is Macbeth's reaction? (Use concrete details)
5. What does Lady Macbeth say to the guests is the reason for his behavior? What can you say about their relationship at this point in the play? (Use concrete details)
Sedale Scullark
ReplyDelete1st post
1. As Act III begins, Banquo is reflecting on what has happened to Macbeth. What 3 events does he state and what does he hope for himself ? (Use concrete details)
In act III Banquo states to Macbeth that he now has everything just like the witches had prophasized and he is now wondering if what the things that the witches said about him are going to come true. Banquo tells Macbeth basically that what he did to get to the top was wrong and that he had cheated. this is shown through this quote "And I suspect you cheated to win these titles. But it was also prophesied that the crown would not go to your descendants, and that my sons and grandsons would be kings instead". Banquo is stating basically that he is not willing to do what Macbeth did to fulfill the prophecy of the witches.
Chisom Oraedu (post 1):
ReplyDelete1. As Act III begins, Banquo is reflecting on what has happened to Macbeth. What 3 events does he state, and what does he hope for himself? (Use concrete details)
The first event that Banquo states is that Macbeth used treacherous means to gain the crown. He accuses, “Thou hast it now—King, Cawdor, Glamis, all As the weird women promised, and I fear Thou played’st most foully for’t” (III.i.1-3). Banquo does not think that Macbeth earned the crown by staying honorable. Instead, he basically says that Macbeth killed Duncan to gain the title of king. The second event that Banquo states is that Macbeth’s future children will not become heirs to the throne; his will. Banquo articulates, “Yet it was said It should not stand in thy posterity, But that myself should be the root and father Of many kings” (III.i.3-6). Even though Macbeth himself will become king, the lineage will die there. None of Macbeth’s children will be bestowed with this honor. Banquo’s children will. For himself, Banquo hopes that he will soon reap the benefits of the witches’ prophecy. He sees the glory that Macbeth is now receiving and he wishes that he will gain some too. Banquo states in his soliloquy, “Why , by the verities on thee made good, May they not be my oracles as well And set me up in hope?” (III.i.8-10). Banquo thinks that if the witches told the truth about his prophecy like they did about Macbeth’s, maybe what they said about Banquo’s posterity becoming kings will come true. Banquo hopes that his prophecy will come true.
2. What reason does Macbeth give the murderers for wanting Banquo killed? What reason does he give for not doing it himself? (Use concrete details)
Macbeth tells the murderers that Banquo is the cause of all their past misfortunes. The murderers falsely believed that Macbeth was the cause. Macbeth corrects their error: “Know That is was he [Banquo] in the times past which held you So under fortune, which you though had been Our innocent self” (III.i.77-79). Macbeth urges the murderers to get revenge on Banquo for this. This is what makes the murderers want to do it. Macbeth taunts them in a way and says that if they do not do it, they will be giving in Banquo. If the murderers were to not take action against Banquo, they would seem weak and passive. Macbeth taunts, “Do you find Your patience so predominant in your nature That you can let this go?” (III.i.87-89). According to Macbeth, if the murderers wish to ensure a better future for their families, they must carry out Banquo’s murder. They cannot let Banquo continue with the grievances that he has already placed on their families. The reason that Macbeth presents for not carrying out the murder himself is because he must keep up appearances. If Macbeth were to carry out the murder, his peers may notice when he does not act sad and disheartened. Macbeth explains, “And though I could With barefaced power sweep him from my sight And bid my will avouch it, yet I must not, For certain friends that are both his and mine, Whose loves I may not drop, but wail his fall Who myself I struck down” (III.i.119-124). If Macbeth himself were to kill Banquo, he would not be able to convincingly portray the right sense of grievance. He would seem cold and detached if he were to commit the murder. For this reason, he asks the murderers to carry out the deed.
Chisom Oraedu (post 1 cont.):
ReplyDelete3. Why do you think Macbeth does not tell Lady Macbeth about his plan to murder Banquo and Fleance? (Use concrete details)
Macbeth does not tell Lady Macbeth about his plan to murder Banquo and Fleance because he believes that it’s better that she stay in the dark about the murder until after it’s done. Then, she can applaud the murder. Macbeth tells her, “Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck, Till you applaud the deed” (III.iii.48-49). Lady Macbeth will not truly be able to appreciate the murder until after it’s committed and the benefits are reaped. As the play progresses, Lady Macbeth increasingly loses her hard edge and soon becomes the more passive one of the couple. Before, she was the one really enforcing the action and actively trying to make Macbeth king. Now, Macbeth is doing this for himself. Macbeth complains to his wife of the annoying presence of Banquo and Fleance: “Oh, full of scorpions is my mind, dear wife! Thou know’st that Banquo and his Fleance lives…There’s comfort yet; they are assailable” (III.iii.39-42). Macbeth openly declares his scorn for the two men and reveals to his wife how easy it would be to kill them. Although he does not openly state his plan, he does hint at it. He clues to his wife”…there shall be done A deed of dreadful note” (III.iii.46-47). Although Macbeth does not explicitly state his plan to murder Banquo and Fleance, he hints at it. He does not tell Lady Macbeth his plan outright for fear that she might construe it the wrong way.
4. When Banquo's ghost enters the banquet, what is Macbeth's reaction? (Use concrete details)
When Banquo’s ghost enters the banquet, Macbeth is appalled. This is just after the first murderer reports to him that they have killed Banquo. The murderer tells him, “My lord, his [Banquo’s] throat is cut. That I did for him” (III.iv.16). Just before the banquet, the murderers carried out the treacherous deed. Macbeth thinks that this will be the end of Banquo, and that he will never have to deal with him again, but he’s wrong. Because Macbeth thinks that Banquo is dead, he is surprised when he sees his bloody and battered body appear in his seat at the banquet. Macbeth exclaims, “Avaunt, and quit my sight! Let the earth hide thee!” (III.iv.94). He is shocked to see the brutality that was bestowed upon Banquo when he was murdered. Macbeth is not willing to face the treachery that he has committed, which is why he reacts so horrified toward the ghost. Macbeth knows that he is not a weak man. It is only the ghost that he feels fear toward because it is an unearthly thing. Toward any other earthly thing, he feels no fear, only strength. He defends himself when he says, “What man dare, I dare. Approach thou like the rugged Russian bear. The armed rhinoceros, or th’ Hyrcan tiger; Take any shape but that, and my firm nerves Shall never tremble” (III.iv.100-104). It is only because Banquo is a ghost that Macbeth feels fear. In Macbeth’s mind, it is not natural for something like this to be on the earth. Macbeth feels initial fear and shock upon seeing the ghost.
Chisom Oraedu (post 1 cont.):
ReplyDelete5. What does Lady Macbeth say to the guests is the reason for his behavior? What can you say about their relationship at this point in the play? (Use concrete details)
Lady Macbeth tells the guests that Macbeth’s behavior is caused by a condition that he has had since boyhood. According to her, he has acted this way for his entire life. Lady Macbeth does not want the guests to become suspicious of Macbeth’s behavior. She explains to them, “My lord is often thus, And hath been from his youth. Pray you, keep seat. The fit is momentary; upon a thought He will again be well” (III.iv.53-56). She wants the guests to think that he has some sort of underlying mental condition; if they knew that he were acting so strange because of Banquo’s absence at the dinner table, they may think that he has something to do with that. Lady Macbeth must prevent the guests from growing suspicious of Macbeth. Even though Lady Macbeth does not know that Macbeth commissioned for the murder of Banquo’s murder, she is still fearful that she did something to him in the night. The rest of the guests go along with the façade and believe Lady Macbeth’s explanation. Ross states, “’His [Banquo’s] absence, sir, Lays blame upon his promise” (III.iv. 44-45). Ross and presumably the rest of the guests believe that Banquo’s absence is only out of rudeness and not because something bad has happened to him. Because Lady Macbeth tries to downplay her husband’s behavior, this shows that she has grown somewhat ashamed of his behavior. He embarrasses her at the banquet. She asks him, “Are you a man…Fie, for shame!” (III.iv.57-75). The embarrassment and shame that Lady Macbeth feels for her husband shows the deterioration of their relationship. Before, they showed a close bond. Macbeth regarded his wife as an equal, as his other half. Now, Macbeth has grown so consumed with his quest for power that he has begun to forget about his wife and the close trust that they once had. Macbeth sees the ghost out of his own guilt and fear over the murder, which causes him to go crazy and depart from his relationship with his wife.
Shelley Jiang:
ReplyDelete1. As Act III begins, Banquo is reflecting on what has happened to Macbeth. What 3 events does he state and what does he hope for himself? (Use concrete details)
Banquo thinks that the three witches once said “All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Glamis” (1.3.49). “All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor!” (1.3.50). “All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter” (1.3.51). Banquo states that Macbeth can be the Thane of Glamis, the Thane of Cawdor and the king as time goes on. Now Macbeth has it all, but Banquo feels like Macbeth did something bad to get his new position “I fear Thou played’st most foully for’t” (3.1.2-3). Banquo then thinks what the witches predicted about Macbeth was the truth and he believes them. Because the witches also states “Less than Macbeth, and greater / Not so happy, yet much happier / Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none. So all hail, Macbeth and Banquo” (1.3.65-68).So he thinks what they predicted about himself will also come true. He wishes his son and grandsons would be kings one day.
2. What reason does Macbeth give the murderers for wanting Banquo killed? What reason does he give for not doing it himself? (Use concrete details)
Macbeth said: “How you were borne in hand, how crossed, the instruments, who wrought with them, and all things else that might to half a soul and to the notion crazed say, Thus did Banquo” (3.1.80-85). “Are you so gospeled to pray for this good man and for his issue, whose heavy hand hath bowed you to the grave and beggared yours forever” (3.1.89-93). Macbeth says all the bad things Banquo did to two murders. The action made two murders feel that they have got oppression from Banquo. It made them feel angry that they must do something to revenge. They can create an idea and a thought to murder Banquo. “And I will put that business in your bosoms whose execution takes your enemy off, grapples you to the heart and love of us, who wear our health but sickly in his life, which in his death were perfect” (3.1.105-109). In addition, Macbeth told them if they kill Banquo, he will treat them well. Two murderers both know that Macbeth is king now. They can and they need to flatter and be obedient to the current king so that they can be safe in such a political situation. “And though I could with barefaced power sweep him from my sight and bid mu will avouch it, yet I must not, For certain friends that are both his and mine, whose loves l may not drop, but wail his fall who I myself struck down” (3.1.119-125). Because Macbeth doesn’t want his friends and his subordinates think he is a cruel king. He wants to be a good king with empathy and rule the country well. So he needs a person who is also Banquo’s enemy to kill Banquo instead.
Shelley Jiang:
ReplyDelete3. Why do you think Macbeth does not tell Lady Macbeth about his plan to murder Banquo and Fleance? (Use concrete details)
“Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck, till thou applaud the deed” (3.2.48-49). Macbeth is showing his male chauvinism. In the first murder for killing Duncan, his wife-Lady Macbeth led all the things. So he doesn’t want his wife to get involved in it too much. Macbeth is trying to what he can do to go forward strategically. Macbeth usually does a lot of things with Banquo. He is sure that Banquo knows too much. He is afraid that if Banquo suspects him, he cannot continue his plan; therefore, Banquo must die.
4. When Banquo's ghost enters the banquet, what is Macbeth's reaction? (Use concrete details)
Macbeth acts that he is so brave and that he is not afraid of the ghost. However, actually Macbeth is so scared so he says these words to cover his fear. “Avaunt, and quit my sight! Let the earth hide thee! Thy bones are marrowless, thy blood is cold; thou hast no speculation in those eyes which thou dost glare with!” (3.4.94-97). Macbeth thinks Banquo must die for a long time. He imagines the process of Banquo’s death. Also, Macbeth doesn’t want to see Banquo, he is afraid that Banquo’s ghost will speak out the truth so that he cannot be the king anymore. “What man dare, I dare..... Hence, horrible shadow! Unreal mockery, hence!” (3.4.100&107-108). Macbeth tries to be brave to fight against his thoughts in his heart and the ghost as well. In the process that Macbeth sees the ghost, at first he is so scared of seeing it because he doesn’t want others think he killed Banquo and cannot be the king anymore. However, after Lady Macbeth encourages him, he becomes brave because the ghost is only a phantom in Macbeth’s mind. The only thing he needs to do is to beat himself and his cowardice.
5. What does Lady Macbeth say to the guests is the reason for his behavior? What can you say about their relationship at this point in the play? (Use concrete details)
Lady Macbeth says to others: “Sit, worthy friends. My lord is often thus, and hath been from his youth. Pray you, keep seat. The fit is momentary; upon a though he will again be well. If much you note him you shall offend him and extend his passion” (3.4.53-57). Lady Macbeth explains to the guests that Macbeth has had fits since he was young. It can show that Lady Macbeth doesn’t want others to know Macbeth did something wrong. She doesn’t others pay too much attention to Macbeth’s strange actions or to think these actions recently began. “Think of this, good peers, but as a thing of custom, ‘Tis no other; only it spoils the pleasure of the time” (3.4.98-100). Lady Macbeth explains that Macbeth relapses, not a big deal. “I pray you, speak not. He grows worse and worse; Question enrages him” (3.4.118-120). Lady Macbeth wants others not to question further. People there don’t want be punished by Macbeth and his wife, so they definitely will do what Lady Macbeth tell them to do. At this point, Macbeth is like a man who has been out of control. Lady Macbeth is a servant for him; she tries to answer all the questions, deal with a lot of things in different situations and cover the truth for what Macbeth did in order that Macbeth cannot be suspected.
Sedale Scullark
ReplyDelete2. What reason does Macbeth give the murderers for wanting Banquo killed? What reason does he give for not doing it himself?
Macbeth give the murderers many reasons for wanting to kill Banquo. He tells the murderers that Banquo is the reason for all their hard labor. He also blames Banquo for all of the misfortunes that have been going on lately throughout the story. Anything that could have possibly went wrong for the murderers he blamed on Banquo. This is shown in Act III when Macbeth is persuading the murderers to kill Banquo "Well then, now
Have you considered of my speeches? Know
That it was he, in the times past, which held you[...]How you were borne in hand, how crossed, the instruments,
Who wrought with them, and all things else that might
To half a soul and to a notion crazed
Say, 'Thus did Banquo.'" During his time persuading the murderers to kill Banquo, Macbeth gives excuses to why he can't do it himself. "And though I could
With barefaced power sweep him from my sight
And bid my will avouch it, yet I must not,
For certain friends that are both his and mine,
Whose loves I may not drop, but wail his fall
Who I myself struck down." He is explaining that he could simply kill Banquo himself, but he doesn't want to lose the respect and the love from the people that are friends with both him and Banquo.
Sedale Scullark
ReplyDelete3. Why do you think Macbeth does not tell Lady Macbeth about his plan to murder Banquo and Fleance?
Macbeth is probably afraid to tell Lady Macbeth about his ideas to kill Banquo because he already knows what she is going to say. He also might be afraid because of the recent acts of Lady Macbeth. Lady Macbeth starts to change as Act III progresses and tries harder to forget about the past rather than think any further about murder or where her husband stands on the throne. Macbeth knows that Lady Macbeth would see no reason to kill Banquo and would nag him not to worry about it. Lady Macbeth is already satisfied with the power they possess now and Macbeth is thinking she would tell him it is a bad idea. When Macbeth says, "Oh, full of scorpions is my mind, dear wife!
Thou know’st that Banquo, and his Fleance, lives," Lady Macbeth responds "But in them nature’s copy’s not eterne." This shows the changes of Lady Macbeth's attitude, because she is not as dedicated to killing Banquo and Fleance as she was Duncan.
Sedale Scullark
ReplyDelete4.When Banquo's ghost enters the banquet, what is Macbeth's reaction?
When the ghost of Macbeth entered the banquet Macbeth starts to freak out and doesn't know what to do. He is asked by his wife, Lady Macbeth to sit down but he is to distracted and afraid of the ghost to go sit down. This causes a lot of confusion to the people at the banquet. As Lady Macbeth tries to get Macbeth to sit down she tells the guests that he has done this ever since he was a kid. Even though the people went along with it I believe it caused people to be suspicious.Macbeth is the only one that it is able to see the ghost."Prithee, see there! Behold! Look! Lo! How say you?
Why, what care I? If thou canst nod, speak too." He tries to get others to see it but there is no use.
Sedale Scullark
ReplyDelete5. What does Lady Macbeth say to the guests is the reason for his behavior? What can you say about their relationship at this point in the play?
"Sit, worthy friends. My lord is often thus
And hath been from his youth. Pray you, keep seat.
The fit is momentary; upon a thought
He will again be well. If much you note him,
You shall offend him and extend his passion.
Feed and regard him not. (aside to MACBETH) Are you a man?" This quote is explains what lady Macbeth said to the people at the banquet. She is telling the people to pay no attention to Macbeth and that he is only having a brief fit which he has had since he was small. She is trying to persuade him to sit down and she questions if he is a man. But Macbeth refuses to sit down with that ghost in the room. Lady Macbeth and Macbeth show promise to each other. Lady Macbeth becomes more of a servant because she basically has to clean up Macbeth's messes as far as answering questions for him and covering for him so that people will not find out that he killed Duncan.
In the beginning of act three Banqou’s small soliloquy states that he is partly jealous of the things that Macbeth has been given and yet nothing great has happened to him. He says “thou hast it now-king, Cawdor, Glasmis all as the weird women promised, and I fear thou played’st most foully for’t…but that myself should be the root and father of many king. If there come truth from them as upon thee, Macbeth… may they not be my oracles as well”. In this Banqou says that he wishes to be the father of many kings, and that his children will be able to take the throne and become the king. He hopes that his prophecies will come true just as Macbeth’s is, but watch while Macbeth is slowly achieving greatness is bring a jealous attitude toward the situation.
ReplyDeleteIn act Three Scene Two Macbeth is speaking with the Murders about him plotting the assassination of Banqou. He wants to kill Banqou and his son Fleance because Fleance is who is now the heir of the throne and that is stopping Macbeth from becoming king. And he wants to kill Banqou because if Banqou would have another son, his son would immediately take the crown as well and will only hurt Macbeth in getting King. So if we were to kill both of them it will fully eliminate ther ability to have a heir for the king. He says he won’t kill Banqou himself when he says “know Banqou was your enemy…so is he mine…and though I could with barefaced power sweep him from my sight and bid my will avouch it, yet I must not, for certain friends that are both his and mine, whose loves I may not drop, but wail his fall how I myself struck down…masking the business from the common eye for sundray weighty reasons”. Macbeth tells the murders that he is unable to kill Banqou because his friend are both with Macbeth and Banqou and they will be say and morn his death while at the same time he was the one who has killed him.
He doesn’t tell her because their plan was not fully completed. When Macbeth says “ we have scorches the snake, not killed it” he is referring to the fact that only Banqou is killed and not Fleance, and maybe Macbeth doesn’t tell her because once he finishes the plan he wants to tell her so that she can see that he does want to be king and have power just as much as she does. So maybe waiting until it completed she will appreciate his assertiveness and will not constantly question his ability to be masculine and manly.
Once the ghost walked into the banquet and sat in Macbeth’s seat Macbeth immediately started to freak out. “Avaunt, and quit my sight! Let the earth hide thee. They bones are marrowless, thy blood is cold; thou hast no speculation in those eyes which thou dost glare with” he has a fit and all of the noblemen are wondering why he is acting this way but never actually say anything. Macbeth is hallucinating just like he did when he saw the dagger. He thinks that everyone else sees the ghost when they actually don’t.
When Lady Macbeth notices that Macbeth is hallucinating and he making a scene at the banquet she immediately attempts to cover for him. She says “the fit is momentary; upon a thought he will again be well. If much you note him you shall offend him and extend his passion” she says that the fits are constantly happening and have been happening for his whole life. She say that asking him why he is acting that way would do nothing but offend him and that they shouldn’t ask him why he’s saying these things. She covers the facts that Macbeth is only hallucinating because his actions are haunting his mind.
deidre
Chisom Oraedu (post 2):
ReplyDelete1. As Act III begins, Banquo is reflecting on what has happened to Macbeth. What 3 events does he state and what does he hope for himself ? (Use concrete details)
Banquo is not hopeful at the end of the soliloquy. He’s not willing to do what Macbeth did to gain power. Banquo is not willing to take part in immoral behavior. For this reason, he is not hopeful that his prophecy will come true. In response to Deidre’s post, I don’t necessarily think that Banquo is jealous of Macbeth. He simply wants the same good fortune that Macbeth has received. Banquo is too noble and mature to feel petty jealously over Macbeth’s good fortunes. Macbeth even says of Banquo, “He hath a wisdom that doth guide his valor To act in safety” (III.i.54-55). Banquo is too smart to be jealous. He knows that it useless to long after what Macbeth has. He has his own prophecy, and he simply wishes that it will come true, too.
2. What reason does Macbeth give the murderers for wanting Banquo killed? What reason does he give for not doing it himself? (Use concrete details)
Macbeth refers to Banquo as an enemy to the murderers. A king is very persuasive. If the king tells you that there’s a deceptive nobleman in the court, you’ll believe him. You cannot question the king. For this reason, they don’t question Macbeth’s perspective. They begin to see Banquo as the enemy. Banquo and Macbeth have mutual friends, so Macbeth cannot kill Banquo. Another reason why is because he feels that he should be “Masking the business from the common eye…” (III.i.126). Macbeth does not want the commoners in the aristocracy to see him commit this deed. It would be very obvious if he as the king is out murdering someone and people see him. Macbeth wants Banquo murdered because he doesn’t wants his children to be king. This is Macbeth’s way of getting rid of his own limitation. The things that Banquo possess that he does not have are sons. Macbeth has “a barren scepter in [his] grip…” (III.i.63). Macbeth is cognizant of the fact that Banquo has something that he does not have. Macbeth is taking on the persona of having god-like qualities and that he lives in a world in which he gets to decide who lives or dies. He has the feeling that no one should have the power to plot against him.
3. Why do you think Macbeth does not tell Lady Macbeth about his plan to murder Banquo and Fleance? (Use concrete details)
Macbeth is distancing himself from his wife. He no longer sees her as his “…dearest partner of greatness…” (I.v.11). Macbeth is getting carried away with his own power. He begins to think that he can operate without her and still be just as powerful. He begins to get the notion that he’s greater than he actually is, which will lead to his demise. Hecate sees how arrogant Macbeth is becoming. She calls him “…a wayward son, Spiteful and wrathful, who, as others do, Loves for his own ends, not for you” (III.v.11-13). Macbeth decides not to tell his wife his plan because he thinks that it will all work out and that he does not need her help. His fall will be in the fact that he thinks he is invincible and can do everything on his own.
4. When Banquo's ghost enters the banquet, what is Macbeth's reaction? (Use concrete details)
Macbeth reacts very jumpily when he sees the ghost; he essentially has a breakdown. He wishes to banish the Banquo’s ghost from his sight: “Avaunt, and quit my sight! Let the earth hide thee!” (III.iv.94). Macbeth cannot face the victim of the murder that he commissioned. He feels extreme guilt and cannot even bring himself to look at the ghost. The noblemen have no idea why Macbeth is acting this way. One asks, “What sights, my lord?” (III.iv.117). They cannot see the ghost; it is simply a figment of Macbeth’s mind manifested from his extreme guilt towards the murder.
Chisom Oraedu (post 2 cont.):
ReplyDelete5. What does Lady Macbeth say to the guests is the reason for his behavior? What can you say about their relationship at this point in the play? (Use concrete details)
I completely agree with Shelley. When Lady Macbeth explains to the guests that Macbeth always has these fits, they do not question it. It is not their place to question the queen’s explanation or the king’s behavior, so they simply accept it when she says nonchalantly, “The fit is momentary; upon a thought He will again be well” (III.iv.55-56). Shelley is correct when she says that Macbeth is out of control. He has essentially lost his mind and is hallucinating things. Lady Macbeth notices and accuses him, “This is the very painting of your fear. This is the air-drawn dagger which, you said, Led you to Duncan. Oh, these flaws and starts, Impostors to true fear…When all’s done, You look but on a stool” (III.iv.61-68). Lady Macbeth is growing tired of Macbeth’s constant outburst. She references the previous time that Macbeth hallucinated. She also says that the stool is simply a stool, there is no ghost on it. The annoyance and irritation shown by Lady Macbeth towards her husband’s behavior signifies the unraveling of their once close relationship.
Chisom Oraedu (post 3):
ReplyDelete1. As Act III begins, Banquo is reflecting on what has happened to Macbeth. What 3 events does he state and what does he hope for himself? (Use concrete details)
In regards to Shelley’s post, I don’t think that Banquo believes that his prophecy will come true. Rather, he believes that it will not. He questions the witches’ prophecy about him: “…May they not be my oracles as will And set me up in hope?” (III.i.9-10). He is very doubtful that the prophecy will come true for him because he is not willing to twist and manipulate fate like Macbeth did. Like Shelley said, he does hope that his sons will become kings like the prophecy said, but he is unsure that this will actually happen.
2. What reason does Macbeth give the murderers for wanting Banquo killed? What reason does he give for not doing it himself? (Use concrete details)
I disagree with Shelley when she says that the murderers agree to kill Banquo because Macbeth promised them prosperity. Rather, they did it because he was their king and he asked them to. By ask, though, he really commanded them. They are in no place to refuse their king, so they were forced to agree and comply with Macbeth’s demands, even if they did not truly agree with his argument against Banquo. The murderers are forced to say, “We shall, my lord, Perform what you command us” (III.i.127-128). The murderers never had a choice; Macbeth knew this, which is why he was so confident that the murder plot against Banquo and Fleance would succeed.
3. Why do you think Macbeth does not tell Lady Macbeth about his plan to murder Banquo and Fleance? (Use concrete details)
I disagree with Shelley; I don’t think that Macbeth hid his plan from his wife because of chauvinism or sexism. Lady Macbeth may have been giving all the orders in the murder of Duncan, but that does not mean that Macbeth is trying to assert his manhood and independence by leading the shots in Banquo’s murder. Simply, I think that he is just trying to make everything go perfectly with the murder, By telling Lady Macbeth too early, it might ruin the plan. According to Macbeth, his wife must “Be innocent of the knowledge…Till thou applaud the deed” (III.ii.48-49). Telling her too early would cause her to not see the benefits and importance of the murder. In Macbeth’s mind, it would ruin everything.
4. When Banquo's ghost enters the banquet, what is Macbeth's reaction? (Use concrete details)
I disagree with Shelley; I don’t think that Macbeth ever tried to act brave in the face of the ghost. In fact, he was cowering the entire time. He tries to say that the fear is not his fault, though. He tries to explain to Lady Macbeth that in regards to being a man, he is “…a bold one, that dare look on that Which might appall the devil” (III.iv.59-60). He tries to justify his fear by saying that the ghost is no earthly thing. Macbeth may have tried to make it seem like he was brave in the face of the ghost, but he was really just terrified the entire time.
5. What does Lady Macbeth say to the guests is the reason for his behavior? What can you say about their relationship at this point in the play? (Use concrete details)
In response to Sedale’s post, I think that he is correct when he says that Lady Macbeth becomes sort of a servant for her husband. She must cover his tracks during the banquet when he becomes to have sporadic fits of fear. She hurriedly says, “Think of this, good peers, But as a thing of custom. ‘Tis no other; Only it spoils the pleasure of the time” (III.iv.97-99). She is having to clean up his mess while he makes it. Macbeth does not understand the implications that his outburst id causing for the two of them. Now, suspicions will rise among the lords as to why their king is having routine mental breakdowns. Lady Macbeth’s annoyance at her husband for making her clean up after him shows the deterioration of their relationship. Before, they were equals. Now, Lady Macbeth feels that she is being pushed below the level of her husband because of her constant job of covering his tracks.
sedale Scullark (2nd post)
ReplyDelete1.What three things does Macbeth learn from the witches and apparitions, and how does he react to them?
Banquo also shows his loyalty and dedication to Duncan when he wants to know who killed him. He tries to explore the places to see what may have happened to Duncan. This is shown through this quote “And when we have our naked frailties hid, that suffer in exposure, let us meet And question this most bloody piece of work To know it further. Fears and scruples shake us. In the great hand of God I stand, and thence against the undivulged pretense I fight of treasonous malice” (2.3. 128-134). He is saying that once they are properly dressed the will try to see if they can figure out any more of what happen. But most of them are very scared because of what had just happen to Duncan so Banquo explains that he puts his faith in the hands of god. And will try all he can to fight the actions of what happen to Duncan.
2.What lie does Macbeth tell Banquo and why?2) Another instance in which Macbeth lies to Banquo is when he says “Oh, yet I do repent me of my fury, that I did kill them” (2.3.108-109). I believe that he is trying to play off the fact that he has just killed the security guards. He acts as if he did it out of the love for his king when really he is just putting on a show. He is scared that they guards may somehow get him into trouble in the end so he kills all of them. This makes him look good to the people because he acts as if he did it for the king. In the end Macbeth really doesn’t care, he knows that he will be king when all is said and done.
3.How do Macbeth and Lady Macbeth differ in their reactions to the murder?
During the course of the book weird things happen. And also things that you would not normally suspect. Macbeth a soldier is afraid and acts more like a woman than a man. Whereas lady Macbeth acts as if she is a warrior herself this is shown through theses readings “Why did you bring these daggers from the place? They must lie there. Go carry them and smear the sleepy grooms with blood” (2.2.50-54). She tells Macbeth to go put the daggers back, but when he cannot, she goes herself. “My hands are of your color, but I shame to wear a heart so white” (2.2.68-69). Macbeth acts more scared than Lady Macbeth. This shows that Lady Macbeth may want to be queen more than Macbeth wants to be kings which is shown through her actions. Lady Macbeth at one point expresses that she would rather be a man than a women. She believes that she would be respected more if she was a man. And she could get more done. i think that Macbeth acting as if he was scared is all apart of Shakesperes way of telling the audience that even the bravest of man can get scared.
Sedale Scullark (2nd post cont.)
ReplyDelete4. Who are Macbeth's other victims? Why does he commit more murders?
2) One of Macbeths greatest victims are the guards. He ends up killing the guards which is shown through this quote ““Oh, yet I do repent me of my fury, that I did kill them” (2.3.108-109). The guards are some of the biggest victims of Macbeth because he never knows what they could have seen and if they would have seen him kill Duncan he would be in big trouble. The guards could have said many different things to where his whole plan could have back fired on him. Taking no chances Macbeth kills them so that there would be no reason for them to say that he could have been involved in the murder. I also believe that at this point of the book after killing Duncan Macbeth starts to become more suspicious of everything. He starts to be more careful with everything he did. This is the point of the book where Macbeth starts to show signs of breaking down and taking on more of a female role than a male.
5. Considering journal entry number 3, what are some recurring motifs in Act 2?2) “blood” is also a word that is used various times. This word is seen in many different ways also. Blood is used as the direct definition of blood and is also related to family and blood lines throughout the play. This helps the reader to think deeper along the lines of what to look for. Blood is used many times maybe because it is supposed to prove a point. The reader has to recognize that blood is used mostly in the act where Duncan is killed.
He feels that Macbeth will get the king because he won’t manipulate the prophecy to make his part come true. He feels like Macbeth’s did something immoral to make Macbeth’s prophecy come true and he isn’t willing to do that to make his come true and that’s why he feels like his prophecy won’t come true. If he wants to get the crown he feels that he must do it without going against his morals. Banquo is a loyal, honorable man and he won’t go down the same path as Macbeth and use others go make his prophecy come true.
ReplyDeleteWhile Macbeth is talking with the murders about his plan to kill Banquo. He tells the murders that he is unable to kill Banquo himself because he knows that they have mutual friends, people who are friends with both Banquo and himself and if he killed him it would bring up a level of suspicion. So if he made the murderers do it would keep their friends from being suspicious about him. “For certain friends that are both his and mine…and then it is that I to your assistance do make love, masking the business from the common eye for sundry weighty reasons”. He tells the murderers that he wants banquo to be killed because he tells them that Banquo is the enemy.
He doesn’t tell her because he no longer see’s her as an equally but as being lower than her. He used to say that he was the other half of him. But now he seems he can do everything without her and still be just as powerful. He seems that he is greater than he really is. Macbeth is starting to think too much of himself and is starting to already think of himself as powerful as a king. However he is taking away the person that started him in this process.
While Macbeth and the other noblemen are at the banquet Macbeth see’s an unusual man sitting in seat. When the man turns around he notices that the man is the ghost of Banquo. The ghost is bloody with cuts on it’s face and is taunting Macbeth. Macbeth is panicking but his actions are suspicious to others because they do not see the ghost too. Immediately Lady Macbeth must step in and cover up his unusual actions. “I pray you, speak not. He grows worse and worse; question enrages him. At once, good night. Stand not upon the order of your going, but go at once” the noblemen notice that the way Macbeth is acting is not normal and they are wary of his actions. Although none of them ask him why he is acting this way they’re still suspicions are still there.
At this point in the play you can start to see the void in Lady Macbeth and Macbeth’s relationship. Although it shows that Lady Macbeth will still support Macbeth, however in the following scene you can see how they are both not as strong as they were. In the Banquet Lady Macbeth tells the other guest “ sit, worthy friends. My lord is often thus, and hath been from his youth. Pray, keep seat. The fit is momentary; upon a thought he will gain be well. If much you note him you shall offend him and extend his passion.” Lady Macbeth tells the others that these fits have been going on all of his life. And it is better if no one would ask him about it. By her saying this she is attempting to get the suspicions out and to not let them question his actions.
deidre
2. While Macbeth was hiring the murderers to assassinate Banquo he tells them that Banquo is the enemy. “ not I’th’ worst rank of manhood, say’t, and I will put that business in your bosoms whose execution takes your enemy off, grapples you to the heart and love of us, who wear our health but sickly in his life, which in his death were perfect.” he convinces that is they kill Duncan that it will only add to their manliness. He also tells them that is he does execute the enemy that they will gain the love and heart him and others. And finally he finishes by telling them that is they are to kill Banquo that it will be perfect.
ReplyDelete3. After Macbeth came from discussing with the murders about how Banquo was killed but Fleance wasn’t he immediately goes back to his home with Lady Macbeth. He tells her that they have only scorches the snack not killed it. While saying this he is referring to the fact that the murderers were unable to kill both Banquo and Fleance. I believe that he doesn’t tell Lady Macbeth because he wants to prove that he can be powerful. He thinks that he must complete his plan before he can tell her so that she will accept the fact that Macbeth is capable of doing malicious deeds by himself. I also believe hat he didn’t tell her because he is starting to see himself as a more powerful person without Lady Macbeth. Maybe he feels that as he progresses with his plan to get power that Lady Macbeth will only become an annoyance and he feels that he is capable of getting the king’s position by himself.
4. After Macbeth had the three murderers kill Banquo, he goes back to his house for a banquet. At this banquet he sees an unusual man sitting in a seat. When the man finally turns around it reveals a bloody and battered Banquo. This person is banquo’s ghost. When Macbeth see’s this ghost he immediately began to panic and tries to run away from the sight. He believes that everyone else can see the ghost as well and began to yell for them to look at the horrible sight. But when they question what is making him act this way he asks them why they aren’t able to see the ghost as well. This ghost haunted him and made him believe that the others will see Banquo’s ghost coming fro him and suspect Macbeth killed him.
5. After the ghost intruded their banquet the noblemen and the others all became wary of Macbeth’s actions. He had a mental break down when he saw the ghost sitting there. Macbeth’s thought that everyone else could see the ghost when in reality it was his mind that was making him see the ghost. He began to scream and run away from the ghost but once the ghost left he then realized that it was just a figment on his imagination. The other noblemen attending the banquet question Macbeth’s unusual actions. As Lady Macbeth notices this she quickly tries to clear the suspicion. She tells the others that he has been having these fits since he was born and that it is only momentary but it would be better if they did not say anything to him about it.
deidre