Macbeth by William Shakespeare Read Free Book Online

suggests a new division between the two characters as Macbeth begins to work independently of his wife’s influence.
Act 3 Scene 3
    The two Murderers meet up with a third and wait for Banquo and Fleance. The First Murderer strikes out the torch and Banquo is attacked and killed in darkness, but Fleance escapes.
Act 3 Scene 4
    Lines 1–34: Macbeth addresses his guests with appropriately formal language, emphasizing the ceremonial nature of the banquet. The arrival of the Murderers, however, reinforces the breakdown of order, as this private element of Macbeth’s life intrudes upon his public space. There is a marked change in his language as he speaks to them, showing cruel indifference to Banquo’s death. When he learns of Fleance’s escape, he realizes that he is still not safe.
    Lines 35–141: Lady Macbeth reminds her husband of his duties as a host and he returns to take his place at the banquet, observing that Banquo should be there. As he does so, Banquo’s ghost sits in Macbeth’s place. Macbeth’s irrational response causes Ross to suggest that Macbeth is not well, but Lady Macbeth assures everyone that her husband has always had these momentary “fits” and that if they pay too much attention, they “shall offend him.” She then turns to Macbeth and, once again questioning his masculinity, asks him, “Are you a man?” She says that he looks “but on a stool.” Macbeth is insistent, telling her to look upon the ghost—which no one else can see. The ghost disappears, and again, Lady Macbeth reminds her husband of his guests. He apologizes for his outburst, blaming “a strange infirmity” and calling them all to drink to Banquo, “whom we miss.” On cue, the ghost re-enters and Macbeth breaks down again, crying “Hence, horrible shadow!” Lady Macbeth stops Ross from questioning her husband, claiming that to do so will “enrage” him. She tells the guests to leave and “Stand not upon the order of your going,” emphasizing the breakdown of social order now that Macbeth is king.
    Lines 142–165: Macbeth observes that Macduff is not present at court. He resolves to visit the three weyard sisters again. Lady Macbethencourages him to sleep. The gathering momentum of events is evident as Macbeth says that as he has come so far he can only go forward, and that they “are yet but young in deed.”
Act 3 Scene 5
    The three weyard sisters meet Hecate, goddess of witchcraft, who is angry about her exclusion from Macbeth’s affairs. Before she is called away by spirits, she says that she will be there when Macbeth next consults them, when they will “draw him on to his confusion.”
Act 3 Scene 6
    Lennox meets with another Lord and reports that Fleance is suspected of Banquo’s murder, but reveals his suspicions that Macbeth, “the tyrant,” is responsible for this and for Duncan’s death. The Lord informs Lennox that Macduff has joined Malcolm “in the English court” to ask the English king to make war with Macbeth. Lennox prays for assistance for their “suffering country.”
Act 4 Scene 1
    Lines 1–46: The three weyard sisters are joined by Hecate and three others in singing and dancing, culminating in the announcement that “Something wicked this way comes” as Macbeth enters.
    Lines 47–143: Macbeth’s sense of his own power is emphasized as he commands the three weyard sisters to give him answers, even if it causes terrible consequences for the world. They agree, but ask if he wants the answers from them or their “masters.” Macbeth says to “Call ’em,” and the three weyard sisters summon three Apparitions before him. The first, an armed (armored) head, tells him to “beware Macduff.” The second, a bloody child, tells him that “none of woman born / Shall harm Macbeth,” prompting Macbeth to declare that in this case he need not fear Macduff, but that he will kill him anyway. The Third Apparition, a crowned child holding atree, declares that Macbeth will be undefeated