Scene 3.1 - The royal palace at Forres

Scene 3.1 – The royal palace at Forres

Banquo, alone on stage, declares that everything the witches predicted for Macbeth have come true, and that might mean what they predicted about Banquo fathering a line of kings will also come true. The newly crowned Macbeth and his train enter. In front of the others, Macbeth requests Banquo’s company at this evening’s feast. In passing, he confirms that Banquo will go horseback riding with his son in the afternoon. Macbeth bids everyone depart, except a servant to fetch the two murderers he has hired to kill Banquo.
Macbeth recounts the events of the last few days. Given the truth of the witches’ predictions on his behalf, it is likely that Banquo’s children shall be kings. If that is true, Macbeth believes that he has sold his soul to the devil and suffered all this torment for Banquo’s children, not for his because he will not have any sons to succeed him. If he kills Banquo and his only son, then he will defeat fate.
The two murderers enter, and Macbeth argues why they should kill Banquo and his son. Macbeth explains to them, as he did in their first meeting, that Banquo is responsible for their misfortune and poverty. Macbeth promises them that killing Banquo and his son will make them men worthy to be in his company. Macbeth tells them that he could easily murder Banquo himself were it not for the common friends they shared; Macbeth must pretend to be sorrowful at Banquo’s death, and that is why he needs the murderers’ assistance. He will provide everything except any evidence that will trace the murders back to him, but he demands that both the Banquo and son be slain.

Scene 3.2 – The palace

Lady Macbeth encounters Macbeth appearing grim and pensive. She tells him that the deed is done, and there is no need to think about it anymore. Macbeth does not believe that his troubles ended with the murder of Duncan because he thinks that everyone suspects him. He would rather be like Duncan, dead and buried, so that no poison or knife can touch him. Macbeth tells his wife to prepare some nice speeches praising Banquo, as he keeps the knowledge of the murder plot to himself. He begins to chant like the witches, trying ...

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Scene 3.2 – The palace

Scene 3.4 – The palace

Macbeth and his wife host a large banquet, and everyone seems happy to be there. The first murderer enters to speak privately with Macbeth. He tells him that Banquo is dead and buried but that his son has escaped. Macbeth is upset that Fleance is still alive but relieved that Banquo is no longer a threat. They will hunt down Fleance later. Lady Macbeth reminds Macbeth that he is neglecting his duty as the host to the banquet. To no one’s notice, the ghost of Banquo sneaks in and sits in Macbeth’s chair. The other thanes request that Macbeth sit down, but he remarks that every seat is taken. He then looks at his reserved chair and comes to the shocking realization that the bloody ghost of Banquo is sitting there. Since no one else can see the ghost, they don’t understand whom Macbeth is shouting at. Lady Macbeth makes excuses for him, and takes him aside to make him come to his senses.
The ghost disappears for a moment, and Macbeth tries to explain to his wife that many murders have been performed in history, but the dead have never come back to haunt their murderers. Macbeth then speaks aloud to his thanes, apologizing for his panic attack, which he claims happens to him all the time and that it’s nothing to worry about. Just as everyone is getting settled back into the banquet, the ghost reappears, and Macbeth shouts at it again, but this time with more reckless abandon. He drives it off, but now everyone is really concerned and asks him what is wrong. Lady Macbeth stops their questioning lest Macbeth should reveal something incriminating, and she bids them all a good night. When Macbeth is alone with his wife, he tells her that he will seek out the witches for advice because he has killed so many that there is no coming back. Lady Macbeth pleads that it is nearly morning, and all he needs is a good night’s rest.