PDF Key Extracts - Act 3

MACBETH
BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
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How to use this booklet:

The best form of revision you can complete is to reread the entire play. Remember, the extract
you receive in the exam could come from any part of Shakespeare’s text. You must be
prepared for any eventuality. However, if you are unsure where to start, work your way
through this booklet, reading each extract I have selected as the ‘most important’ parts of the
play and completing the activities that follow.
KEY EXTRACTS – ACT THREE

How do I use this booklet?
There are a number of ways in which you can use this booklet to help you with your revision
for ‘Macbeth’. One of the best ways to revise is to reread the entire play. Exam extracts can
be taken from anywhere in Shakespeare’s text so rereading it in its entirety would ensure you
are fully prepared. However, if you are struggling, consider the ways in which you could use
this ‘Key Extract’ booklet to help you:
1. Read each extract and complete the activities that follow. Activities have been designed
to help you understand the text as well as Shakespeare’s purpose. You will be asked
some extract specific questions and should aim to complete these in full sentences. You
will also have the opportunity to link the extract to other areas of the play and I have
included some ‘Extra Challenge’ tasks should you wish to have a go.
2. Read through the extracts and highlight what you deem to be the most important
quotations. Aim for a maximum of three quotations. Copy the quotations on to
flashcards and explain why they are important to know. Circle small phrases and
individual words and explain why you think Shakespeare has made certain language
choices. How do these words and phrases help him get his message across to an
audience?
3. Consider the themes in ‘Macbeth’. Create flashcards that detail how each theme is
explored by Shakespeare in his play.
4. Consider the icons used for each theme. Explain verbally to a parent or friend why each
icon has been chosen to represent each theme.
5. Link each of the themes in this booklet to the context of ‘Macbeth’. Explain why it was
necessary for Shakespeare to include these ‘big ideas’ in his play by discussing what was
happening at the time the play was written and how this influenced Shakespeare’s
choices when he was writing.
Themes: Shakespeare’s ‘Big Ideas’ in ‘Macbeth’
Here are a list of the themes and ideas Shakespeare explores in ‘Macbeth’. You will be needing them for
some of the activities in this booklet. If you think any themes are missing, add them in the spaces provided!
Violence Betrayal Kingship
Appearance vs Ambition Temptation

reality
Power The Manipulation

supernatural
Masculinity Tyranny Guilt
Children
Extract 1: Act 3, Scene 1 – Banquo’s Concerns
The following extract has been taken from Act Three of ‘Macbeth’. In this extract, Banquo
questions whether Macbeth has played ‘foully’ for the crown.
BANQUO
Thou hast it now: king, Cawdor, Glamis, all,
As the weird women promised, and, I fear,
Thou play'dst most foully for't: yet it was said
It should not stand in thy posterity,
But that myself should be the root and father
Of many kings. If there come truth from them--
As upon thee, Macbeth, their speeches shine--
Why, by the verities on thee made good,
May they not be my oracles as well,
And set me up in hope? But hush! no more.
Sennet sounded. Enter MACBETH, as king, LADY MACBETH, as queen, LENNOX, ROSS, Lords, Ladies, and
Attendants
MACBETH
Here's our chief guest.
LADY MACBETH
If he had been forgotten,
It had been as a gap in our great feast,
And all-thing unbecoming.
MACBETH
To-night we hold a solemn supper sir,
And I'll request your presence.
BANQUO
Let your highness
Command upon me; to the which my duties
Are with a most indissoluble tie
For ever knit.
MACBETH
Ride you this afternoon?
BANQUO
Ay, my good lord.
MACBETH
We should have else desired your good advice,
Which still hath been both grave and prosperous,
In this day's council; but we'll take to-morrow.
Is't far you ride?
BANQUO
As far, my lord, as will fill up the time
'Twixt this and supper: go not my horse the better,
I must become a borrower of the night
For a dark hour or twain.
MACBETH
Fail not our feast.
Revision Activities for Extract 1
Summary Writer’s purpose
In full sentences, briefly explain what is happening in this Pick three analytical verbs. Complete the following
extract. sentence three times, each time using a different
analytical verb. Can’t see the analytical verb you want to
use? Add it in!
Through Banquo’s concerns, Shakespeare aims
to criticise/ to warn/ to expose/ to teach/ to celebrate/

to reveal the importance of/ to question/to establish
Extract specific questions

Answer the following questions in full sentences. Use quotations where you can to help you explain your points.
1. How does Banquo link Macbeth to the witches in his opening lines?
2. How can we tell Macbeth’s status has elevated through the language he uses?
3. What is the significance of Macbeth’s line, ‘fail not our feast’.
Links to other areas of the text Themes

Where else in the play do we see the word ‘foul’ and what is Choose two themes from the front of the booklet that
the significance of this? relate to this extract and briefly explain your choices.
1.
2.
Extra Challenge task

On a different piece of paper, write an extended response to the following question:
‘Although they do not appear physically in every scene, the witches are always present’. To what extent do you
agree?
Extract 2: Act 3, Scene 1 – Macbeth’s Fear
The following extract has been taken from Act Three of ‘Macbeth’. In this extract, Macbeth is
fearful of Banquo and the fact he has been hailed as ‘father to a line of kings.’
MACBETH
Bring them before us.
Exit Attendant
To be thus is nothing;
But to be safely thus.--Our fears in Banquo
Stick deep; and in his royalty of nature
Reigns that which would be fear'd: 'tis much he dares;
And, to that dauntless temper of his mind,
He hath a wisdom that doth guide his valour
To act in safety. There is none but he
Whose being I do fear: and, under him,
My Genius is rebuked; as, it is said,
Mark Antony's was by Caesar. He chid the sisters
When first they put the name of king upon me,
And bade them speak to him: then prophet-like
They hail'd him father to a line of kings:
Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown,
And put a barren sceptre in my gripe,
Thence to be wrench'd with an unlineal hand,
No son of mine succeeding. If 't be so,
For Banquo's issue have I filed my mind;
For them the gracious Duncan have I murder'd;
Put rancours in the vessel of my peace
Only for them; and mine eternal jewel
Given to the common enemy of man,
To make them kings, the seed of Banquo kings!
Rather than so, come fate into the list.
And champion me to the utterance! Who's there!
use? Add it in!
Although Macbeth has the crown, he is now fearful of

losing his power, suggesting Shakespeare wishes
to criticise/ to warn/ to expose/ to teach/ to celebrate/

to reveal the importance of/ to question/to establish

1. What about Banquo’s nature and the way he carries himself, threatens Macbeth?
2. Why does Macbeth describe his crown as ‘fruitless’ and his sceptre as ‘barren’?
3. What does Macbeth say has happened to his mind and what is the significance of this?

Where else in the play do we see the issue of Macbeth’s lack of Choose two themes from the front of the booklet that
lineage appear? relate to this extract and briefly explain your choices.
1.
2.

On a different piece of paper, write an extended response to the following activity:
Discuss how a lack of lineage is seen as a failure of Macbeth as a man.

Extract 3: Act 3, Scene 2 – ‘O, full of scorpions is my mind, dear wife!’
The following extract has been taken from Act Three of ‘Macbeth’. In this extract, Macbeth
shares how he is tormented by what he is doing and what he is about to do.
LADY MACBETH
You must leave this.
MACBETH
O, full of scorpions is my mind, dear wife!
Thou know'st that Banquo, and his Fleance, lives.
LADY MACBETH
But in them nature's copy's not eterne.
MACBETH
There's comfort yet; they are assailable;
Then be thou jocund: ere the bat hath flown
His cloister'd flight, ere to black Hecate's summons
The shard-borne beetle with his drowsy hums
Hath rung night's yawning peal, there shall be done
A deed of dreadful note.
LADY MACBETH
What's to be done?
MACBETH
Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck,
Till thou applaud the deed. Come, seeling night,
Scarf up the tender eye of pitiful day;
And with thy bloody and invisible hand
Cancel and tear to pieces that great bond
Which keeps me pale! Light thickens; and the crow
Makes wing to the rooky wood:
Good things of day begin to droop and drowse;
While night's black agents to their preys do rouse.
Thou marvell'st at my words: but hold thee still;
Things bad begun make strong themselves by ill.
So, prithee, go with me.
use? Add it in!
In presenting audiences with Macbeth’s torment,

Shakespeare may be
criticising/ warning/ exposing/ teaching/ celebrating/

revealing the importance of/ questioning/establishing

1. Macbeth says his mind is full of scorpions. What does this metaphor mean?
2. What does Shakespeare’s use of dark, natural imagery suggest to audiences about what is happening to
him?
3. Macbeth refuses to tell Lady Macbeth his exact plans. What is happening to their relationship?

Where else in the play do we see Macbeth as a tormented Choose two themes from the front of the booklet that
figure? relate to this extract and briefly explain your choices.
1.
2.

Discuss Shakespeare’s allusions to nature throughout the play.

Extract 4: Act 3, Scene 4 – Banquo’s Ghost
The following extract has been taken from Act Three of ‘Macbeth’. In this extract, Macbeth,
having sent murderers to kill Banquo, is haunted by Banquo’s ghost.
LENNOX
May't please your highness sit.
The GHOST OF BANQUO enters, and sits in MACBETH's place
MACBETH
Here had we now our country's honour roof'd,
Were the graced person of our Banquo present;
Who may I rather challenge for unkindness
Than pity for mischance!
ROSS
His absence, sir,
Lays blame upon his promise. Please't your highness
To grace us with your royal company.
MACBETH
The table's full.
LENNOX
Here is a place reserved, sir.
MACBETH
Where?
LENNOX
Here, my good lord. What is't that moves your highness?
MACBETH
Which of you have done this?
Lords
What, my good lord?
MACBETH
Thou canst not say I did it: never shake
Thy gory locks at me.
ROSS
Gentlemen, rise: his highness is not well.
use? Add it in!
Banquo’s ghost, arguably, is a manifestation of Macbeth’s

guilt, meaning Shakespeare is


1. Towards the end of this extract, the lengths of the lines are short. What does this tell you about the pace of
the scene?
2. How do you think Macbeth would deliver the line, ‘Which of you have done this?’
3. What can audiences infer about the appearance of Banquo’s ghost based on Macbeth’s words?

Where else in the play do we see manifestations of guilt? Choose two themes from the front of the booklet that
relate to this extract and briefly explain your choices.
1.
2.

Guilt. Discuss.
Extract 5: Act 3, Scene 4 – Banquo’s Ghost (Part 2)
LADY MACBETH
Sit, worthy friends: my lord is often thus,
And hath been from his youth: pray you, keep seat;
The fit is momentary; upon a thought
He will again be well: if much you note him,
You shall offend him and extend his passion:
Feed, and regard him not. Are you a man?
MACBETH
Ay, and a bold one, that dare look on that
Which might appal the devil.
LADY MACBETH
O proper stuff!
This is the very painting of your fear:
This is the air-drawn dagger which, you said,
Led you to Duncan. O, these flaws and starts,
Impostors to true fear, would well become
A woman's story at a winter's fire,
Authorized by her grandam. Shame itself!
Why do you make such faces? When all's done,
You look but on a stool.
MACBETH
Prithee, see there! behold! look! lo!
how say you?
Why, what care I? If thou canst nod, speak too.
If charnel-houses and our graves must send
Those that we bury back, our monuments
Shall be the maws of kites.
GHOST OF BANQUO vanishes
LADY MACBETH
What, quite unmann'd in folly?
MACBETH
If I stand here, I saw him.
LADY MACBETH
Fie, for shame!
use? Add it in!
Through Macbeth’s suffering, Shakespeare is


1. What does Lady Macbeth mean when she asks, ‘Are you a man?’
2. Is Lady Macbeth trying to calm her husband throughout this extract or is she more frustrated by his
actions? Does she feel anything else? Explain your ideas.
3. Macbeth says the appearance of Banquo’s ghost would ‘appal the devil’. What does this tell us about the
ghost’s appearance and the level of sin Macbeth is steeped in?

Where else in the play do we see Lady Macbeth attacking her Choose two themes from the front of the booklet that
husband’s masculinity? relate to this extract and briefly explain your choices.
1.
2.

‘Shakespeare’s many references to Hell are not coincidental. He makes it very clear that this is where Macbeth is
headed.’ To what extent do you agree?
Extract 6: Act 3, Scene 4 – Banquo’s Ghost (Part 3)
Re-enter GHOST OF BANQUO ROSS
What sights, my lord?
MACBETH
LADY MACBETH
Avaunt! and quit my sight! let the earth hide
I pray you, speak not; he grows worse and
thee!
worse;
Thy bones are marrowless, thy blood is cold;
Question enrages him. At once, good night:
Thou hast no speculation in those eyes
Stand not upon the order of your going,
Which thou dost glare with!
But go at once.
LADY MACBETH
LENNOX
Think of this, good peers,
Good night; and better health
But as a thing of custom: 'tis no other;
Attend his majesty!
Only it spoils the pleasure of the time.
LADY MACBETH
MACBETH
A kind good night to all!
What man dare, I dare:
Approach thou like the rugged Russian bear, Exeunt all but MACBETH and LADY MACBETH
The arm'd rhinoceros, or the Hyrcan tiger;
Take any shape but that, and my firm nerves MACBETH
Shall never tremble: or be alive again, It will have blood; they say, blood will have
And dare me to the desert with thy sword; blood:
If trembling I inhabit then, protest me Stones have been known to move and trees to
The baby of a girl. Hence, horrible shadow! speak;
Unreal mockery, hence! Augurs and understood relations have
By magot-pies and choughs and rooks brought
GHOST OF BANQUO vanishes forth
The secret'st man of blood. What is the night?
Why, so: being gone,
I am a man again. Pray you, sit still. LADY MACBETH
Almost at odds with morning, which is which.
LADY MACBETH
You have displaced the mirth, broke the good
meeting,
With most admired disorder.
MACBETH
Can such things be,
And overcome us like a summer's cloud,
Without our special wonder? You make me
strange
Even to the disposition that I owe,
When now I think you can behold such sights,
And keep the natural ruby of your cheeks,
When mine is blanched with fear.
use? Add it in!
Macbeth realises he is now stuck in a cycle of violence,

suggesting Shakespeare is


1. What other forms does Macbeth beg Banquo’s ghost to take? Why does he do this?
2. How does Lady Macbeth try and gain control of the situation?
3. Why is Macbeth’s outburst in front of the other lords dangerous? How will it affect his kingship?

Where else in the play do we see Macbeth as a vulnerable Choose two themes from the front of the booklet that
character? relate to this extract and briefly explain your choices.
1.
2.

Why do you think, at this point in the play, Lady Macbeth shows little sign of guilt whereas Macbeth is completely
consumed by it?

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MACBETH

How to use this booklet:

KEY EXTRACTS – ACT THREE

Violence Betrayal Kingship

Appearance vs Ambition Temptation

Power The Manipulation

Masculinity Tyranny Guilt

Through Banquo’s concerns, Shakespeare aims

to criticise/ to warn/ to expose/ to teach/ to celebrate/

Extract specific questions

3. What is the significance of Macbeth’s line, ‘fail not our feast’.

Links to other areas of the text Themes

Extra Challenge task

Although Macbeth has the crown, he is now fearful of

to criticise/ to warn/ to expose/ to teach/ to celebrate/

Extract specific questions

Links to other areas of the text Themes

Extra Challenge task

Discuss how a lack of lineage is seen as a failure of Macbeth as a man.

In presenting audiences with Macbeth’s torment,

criticising/ warning/ exposing/ teaching/ celebrating/

Extract specific questions

Links to other areas of the text Themes

Extra Challenge task

Discuss Shakespeare’s allusions to nature throughout the play.

The GHOST OF BANQUO enters, and sits in MACBETH's place

Banquo’s ghost, arguably, is a manifestation of Macbeth’s

criticising/ warning/ exposing/ teaching/ celebrating/

Extract specific questions

Links to other areas of the text Themes

Extra Challenge task

GHOST OF BANQUO vanishes

Through Macbeth’s suffering, Shakespeare is

criticising/ warning/ exposing/ teaching/ celebrating/

Extract specific questions

Links to other areas of the text Themes

Extra Challenge task

Macbeth realises he is now stuck in a cycle of violence,

criticising/ warning/ exposing/ teaching/ celebrating/

Extract specific questions

Links to other areas of the text Themes

Extra Challenge task

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