CMLIT 153

Reading Questions

MacBeth, Acts III-IV

1. Why does MacBeth now plot Banquo's murder? Does he have hesitations similar to those he experienced before murdering Duncan?

2. In what ways is MacBeth haunted by the murder of Duncan and Banquo?

3. Only MacBeth can see Banquo's ghost: why? What does Lady MacBeth make of it?

4. Note the numerous references to sleep--both literal and metaphorical. What picture of sleep does the play present? How does the play use sleep to advance the story, reveal the characters' personalities and mindsets?

5. What do the three witches reveal to MacBeth at the start of Act IV? How does this feed his ambition and his fear?

6. Why does MacBeth send assassins to kill MacDuff's family? Why is Lady MacDuff cross with her husband?

7. How does Malcolm come to trust MacDuff? What is Malcolm's plan to avenge his father and take back Scotland?

8. What is MacDuff's reaction when he learns the fate of his family?