Macbeth, Act 3, Scenes 2-4

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• Secondary Education

Macbeth, Act 3, Scenes 2, 3, and 4

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Summarize Act 3, Scenes 1–2 accurately.

• Analyze how Macbeth’s character changes after becoming king.

• Identify key vocabulary and explain its meaning in context.

• Explain how Shakespeare develops the themes of power, paranoia, and isolation

In one word, explain what has changed in Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s relationship in Act 3, Scene 2.

Fill in the blanks

In Act 3, Scene 2, Lady Macbeth begins to feel uneasy and dissatisfied, realizing that gaining the crown has not brought peace or happiness. She admits that it is better to be dead than to live in constant fear. Meanwhile, Macbeth is increasingly anxious and paranoid, especially about Banquo and the prophecy that his sons will become kings. He tells Lady Macbeth that his mind is “full of scorpions,” revealing how disturbed and restless he feels. Unlike before, Macbeth does not share his full plan with her; he keeps the murder of Banquo a secret. This scene shows that Macbeth is becoming more independent, more secretive, and more consumed by fear, while their relationship begins to weaken.

dissatisfied

happiness

fear

paranoid,

kings

scorpions

murder

secretive

How does Act 3, Scene 2 show that Macbeth has changed since Act 1?
Use one piece of evidence from the scene in your answer.

Why is Lady Macbeth unhappy in this scene?

A

She fears being discovered

B

Power has not brought peace

C

She regrets killing Duncan

D

She suspects Banquo

What does Macbeth mean by “full of scorpions is my mind”?

A

He feels guilty

B

He is physically sick

C

He fears the witches

D

He is mentally disturbed and paranoid

What major change happens in their relationship?

A

Macbeth begins acting independently

B

Lady Macbeth controls Macbeth more

C

They argue openly

D

Lady Macbeth confesses

Why does Macbeth refuse to tell Lady Macbeth his full plan?

A

The witches told him not to

B

He forgot

C

He no longer trusts her

D

He wants to protect her from guilt

Which theme is strongest in this scene?

A

Paranoia

B

Fate

C

Loyalty

D

Ambition

Scene 3 - The Murder Setup

Scene 3: A dark road near the palace

Three murderers wait. It's dark. They hear horses.

First Murderer: "Hark! I hear horses."

Banquo (approaching): "Give us the light there. Who's there?"

Scene 3 - The Attack

Activity Type: Text + Fill in the Blanks

Text Displayed (with blanks):

Banquo: "It will be rain tonight."

First Murderer: "Let it come down!"

(The murderers attack)

Banquo: "O, treachery! Fly, good __________, fly, fly, fly! Thou mayst revenge. O slave!"

Fill in the blank: Banquo: "O, treachery! Fly, good __________, fly, fly, fly! Thou mayst revenge. O slave!"

First Murderer: "We have lost best half of our affair."

What does this mean?

Banquo is dead, but Fleance escaped. How will Macbeth react?

1

😨 PANIC — the prophecy can still come true

2

😤 RAGE — he'll send more killers

3

😌 RELIEF — at least Banquo is gone

4

🤷 MIXED — half good, half bad

What do you think the word banquet means?

How would you feel if you were a guest at this banquet? One sentence:

While everyone is eating, one of the murderers appears at the door. Macbeth goes to speak with him privately.

Macbeth: "There's blood on your face."

Murderer: "Then Banquo's blood is on it."

Macbeth: "Is he dead?"

Murderer: "His throat is cut. But..."

Macbeth: "But what?"

Murderer: "Fleance escaped."

How does Macbeth react to Fleance's escape?

A

Great, let's celebrate

B

I'll try again tomorrow

C

Then my mind is still trapped in fear

D

No problem, who cares

The Ghost Appears

Macbeth returns to the banquet table. He raises a glass:

Macbeth: "I drink to the general joy of the whole table, and to our dear friend Banquo, whom we miss. Would he were here!"

Problem: Banquo IS here. As a ghost. Sitting in Macbeth's chair.

Macbeth (freaking out): "Which of you have done this? Thou canst not say I did it! Never shake thy gory locks at me!"

Translation: "Stop shaking your bloody hair at me!"

What does Macbeth see at the banquet table?

Lady Macbeth Covers

The guests are confused. They don't see the ghost. They just see their king screaming at an empty chair.

Lady Macbeth (whispering to Macbeth): "Are you a man? You're looking at nothing! This is just your fear!"

To the guests (lying): "Please ignore my husband. He has fits since childhood. The vision will pass. Don't stare at him."

😰 What She FEELS Inside

😌 What She SHOWS the guests

What is Lady Macbeth feeling vs. What is she showing?