Act III & Act IV

Macbeth

English IV

L. Mercado

Is Macbeth’s fear of Banquo justified?

• Lines 49-57– Banquo is ambitious

– Banquo is fearless

– Banquo’s actions are guided by wisdom

This makes him greater than Macbeth!

(Think paradox)

Why all the talk of dogs?

• Lines 92-104– Macbeth points out

that different dogs have different traits. Some are more admirable than others, but we call them all dogs.

• Metaphor– People are like dogs!

Why doesn’t Macbeth just have Banquo put to

death?Lines 120-123:

There are certain friends of

his and mine that I do not

wish to offend for personal

and political reasons.

“Chuck” is a term of endearment (sweetie, dear, honey etc.)

Keeps her in the dark for her protection and because he love her.

Keeps her in the dark because he is losing confidence in her.

FYI

Won the Battle but Lost the War:

Macbeth has won a tactical, or short-term, victory. However, he has lost strategically, or in the long run. Banquo’s death removes an immediate concern: however, Fleance’s escape means that the witches’ prophecy concerning Banquo’s descendants still can come true.

It symbolizes that Banquo’s descendents will take the throne.

It also suggest that Macbeth’s guilty conscience is at work.

3. 4. 137-139:

Macbeth: I am in blood stepped in so far that, should I wade no more, returning were as tedious as go o’er.

I have gone to far to turn back now. I’m already so doomed that it doesn’t really matter how many more people I kill.

How can Mabeth be compared to Star Wars?

Macbeth like Darth Vader succumbed to the dark side of the force!

Like Obi-Wan, Banquo sacrificed his life, telling his son to save himself. Then his ghost returns!

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Beware of Fife

None of woman born

Till Birnan comes to Dunsinane

Banquo’s issue will reign

Killing Duncan = The throne

Killing Banquo = Keeping the throne

Killing Macduff’s family = pure savagery!