Macbeth by William Shakespeare | Act 3, Scene 4 Summary & Analysis

Summary

In Act 3, Scene 4 of *Macbeth*, the titular character and Lady Macbeth host a banquet for the lords. A murderer arrives, reporting that Banquo is dead, but Fleance has escaped. During the banquet, Macbeth sees Banquo's ghost, which only he perceives, causing confusion among the guests. Lady Macbeth attempts to cover for him but grows frustrated with his visible fear. Despite his earlier confidence, Macbeth becomes increasingly unsettled, especially by the absence of Macduff. Concerned about Banquo's potential revenge, he resolves to visit the witches again, highlighting his descent into paranoia and instability.

Takeaways

• 🎭 Macbeth and Lady Macbeth host a banquet for the lords, marking a significant event in their reign.
• 🔪 A murderer arrives with blood on his face, confirming that Banquo is dead but Fleance has escaped.
• 😱 Macbeth’s initial confidence begins to wane after hearing about Fleance's escape.
• 👻 The ghost of Banquo appears at the banquet, visible only to Macbeth, causing confusion among the guests.
• 💔 Lady Macbeth attempts to control the situation, scolding Macbeth for his unmanly behavior.
• 🥂 Macbeth tries to cover his distress by proposing a toast to Banquo, despite the ghost's presence.
• 🧠 The scene explores themes of guilt and fear, showcasing Macbeth's psychological unraveling.
• 👀 Lady Macbeth's attitude shifts; she now dismisses supernatural visions as products of Macbeth's weakness.
• 🔮 Macbeth resolves to seek the witches again, driven by his fears of Banquo’s potential revenge.
• ⚖️ The dynamics between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth highlight the crumbling stability of their power and sanity.

Q & A

What event does Macbeth host in Act 3, Scene 4?

Macbeth hosts a banquet for the Lords at court.

What news does the murderer bring to Macbeth?

The murderer informs Macbeth that Banquo is dead but that Fleance has escaped.

How does Macbeth react to the news of Fleance's escape?

Macbeth decides to pursue Fleance later.

What unusual event occurs during the banquet?

Macbeth sees the ghost of Banquo enter and sit at the table, which the other guests cannot see.

How do the other Lords react to Macbeth's behavior during the banquet?

The Lords are confused when Macbeth speaks to the ghost, and they think he is ill.

What does Lady Macbeth do to manage the situation during the banquet?

Lady Macbeth tries to cover for Macbeth's erratic behavior and scolds him for being unmanly.

What is the significance of the ghost's appearances in this scene?

The ghost symbolizes Macbeth's guilt and fear, representing the psychological toll of his actions.

What feelings does Macbeth express to Lady Macbeth after the banquet?

Macbeth expresses his fear of Banquo's revenge and questions why Macduff did not attend the banquet.

What does Macbeth resolve to do after the banquet?

Macbeth resolves to visit the three witches the following day.

How does Lady Macbeth's perspective on supernatural elements shift in this scene?

Initially willing to believe in spirits and prophecies, Lady Macbeth now regards them as products of Macbeth's weakness.