PRITAM’S TUTORIAL (FOR ENGLISH)

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MACBETH ACT 3.1

SUMMARY
BANQUO’S SOLILOQUY
In this scene from Shakespeare's Macbeth, Banquo, who is alone on stage, reflects on how Macbeth has attained the
titles of king, Cawdor, and Glamis, just as the witches prophesied. However, Banquo suspects Macbeth of foul play to
achieve these titles. He also recalls the witches' prophecy that his own descendants will be kings, which makes him
wonder if he should trust their words and hope for a royal future for himself.

MACBETH – BANQUO INTERACTION

As Banquo contemplates these thoughts, Macbeth enters with Lady Macbeth, lords, ladies, and attendants, greeting
Banquo as their chief guest. Macbeth invites Banquo to a solemn supper that evening, to which Banquo agrees with
loyalty and respect.

Macbeth then asks Banquo about his plans for the afternoon, learning that Banquo will be riding until supper.
Macbeth expresses regret that he cannot seek Banquo's advice that day but promises to do so the next. He wishes
Banquo a swift and safe journey and asks if Fleance, Banquo's son, will accompany him.

MACBETH’S SOLILOQUY – HIS CONCERNS ABOUT BANQUO

After Banquo leaves, Macbeth reflects on his fear of Banquo, who he believes poses a threat to his throne due to the
witches' prophecy about Banquo's descendants. Macbeth feels insecure and envious of Banquo's natural royalty and
dauntless nature. He resolves to take action against Banquo and his son that very night.

MACBETH MANIPULATING THE MURDERERS

Macbeth summons two murderers and reminds them of their grievances against Banquo, persuading them to join
him in his plot. He assures them that killing Banquo is in their best interest, as it will earn them his favor and remove
a common enemy.

The scene ends with Macbeth instructing the murderers to wait for his signal, as he plans to inform them of the
exact time and location of the murder. He emphasizes the urgency of the deed, indicating that it must be done that
night.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS –

1. According to Banquo, how has Macbeth become King and Thane of Glamis and Cawdor? –
a) By diplomacy
b) By foul means
c) By witchcraft
d) By courage
2. Who is referred to in this scene as the ‘chief guest’?
a) Banquo
b) Macduff
c) Lady Macbeth
d) Ross
3. What does Macbeth refer to as ‘grave and prosperous’?
a) Banquo’s presence at the banquet
 b) Banquo’s advice
c) Banquo’s contenance
d) Banquo’s murder
4. Why did Macbeth ask Banquo about his and his son’s plans for the next day?
a) He wanted to bestow titles on them
b) He wanted to host a banquet in their honour
c) He wanted to plan their murder
d) None of the above
5. Banquo’s soliloquy shows that –
a) He is influenced by the prophecies of the witches
b) He will use all means to secure this throne
c) He intends to kill Macbeth
d) All of the above.
6. Who were waiting for Macbeth outside the palace gate?
a) Those who were assigned the murder of Malcolm and Donalbain
b) Those who were assigned the murder of Banquo and his son
c) Those who helped Macbeth in the murder of Duncan
d) None of the above
7. How did Macbeth instigate the two assassins to murder Banquo?
a) By brainwashing them that Banquo was their oppressor
b) By tempting them with money and titles
c) By reminding them of their previous evil deed
d) None of the above
8. Why did Macbeth say that he could not order Macbeth’s execution?
a) He takes Banquo as his best friend
b) He wants to help them (the assassins)
c) He cannot lose some mutual friends by doing so
d) None of the above.
9. Which characteristic traits of Banquo are feared by Macbeth?
a) Extremely daring
b) Fearless
c) Prudent mind
d) All of the above
10. For which of the following Macbeth used ‘mine eternal jewel’?
a) The crown of Duncan
b) The title of Thane of Cawdor
c) His immortal soul
d) None of the above
11. To whom does Macbeth refer to as the ‘common enemy of man’?
a) Dying Duncan
b) Satan
c) Lady Macbeth
d) Hecate
12. According to Macbeth, whose every minute of existence is a threat to him?
a) Macduff’s
b) Banquo’s
c) Malcolm’s
d) All of the above
13. How had Banquo wronged the first murderer, according to Macbeth?
a) Banquo’s cruel actions had crushed him
b) Banquo was responsible for impoverishing their families
c) Both (a) and (b)
 d) None of the above
14. Who, of the following, could easily make out that Banquo had harmed the murderers?
a) Half a soul
b) Nation crazed
c) Innocent self
d) Both (a) and (c)

GIVE REASONS
1. Banquo in his soliloquy believes that with the witches prophecy regarding him would prove true because –
2. Banquo in his soliloquy appears to be different from Macbeth because -
3. Macbeth, in his soliloquy, feels that the witches had placed on his head a deceptive crown because –
4. Macbeth admits his moral inferiority to Banquo because -
5. This scene builds up suspense because –
6. Macbeth calls Banquo the chief guest because –
7. According to Lady Macbeth, Banquo should not be forgotten because –
8. Banquo asks for Macbeth’s command because –
9. Macbeth would have wanted Banquo’s advice because –
10. Macbeth seems to be concerned about his bloody cousins because –
11. The servants called on Macbeth because –
12. Macbeth says “to be thus is nothing” because –
13. Macbeth compares himself to Mark Antony because –
14. Macbeth accuses Banquo before the murderers because –
15. The second murderer wants to spite the world because –
16. The first murderer wants to take risk of life because –
17. Macbeth cannot kill Banquo with his barefaced power because -

QUESTION – ANSWERS
[NOTE – Many answers are given in points for quick memorization. You are required to write
them IN PARAGRAPH FORM ONLY during exams.]
1. Briefly mention Banquo’s soliloquy and its significance.

Act 3.1 begins with a soliloquy by Banquo. It takes place after Macbeth has become Cawdor, Glamis and
most importantly, the king of Scotland, fulfilling the promises of the witches. On one hand, Banquo fears
that Macbeth has used foul means to become the king. On the other hand, he is nursing the thought that his
descendants might rule over Scotland. Thus, he is hopeful that he will be happier than Macbeth if he can be
the father of a chain of kings.

The soliloquy shows that Banquo is suspicious about Macbeth's ways of becoming the king. Moreover, he is
also secretly influenced by the prophecies of the witches, as he is hopeful in the future. But, unlike Macbeth,
he does not want to use unfair means. Banquo contemplates a more passive role, hoping fate will make him
"happier" by placing the crown on his children's heads.

2. What is the importance of Macbeth’s soliloquy?

Macbeth’s soliloquy in Act 3.1 is grounded on his fears in Banquo and his apprehensions for the future.

Macbeth feels his genius is rebuked in the presence of Banquo just like Antony’s was before Caesar. He fears
Banquo’s royalty of nature. According to Macbeth, Banquo dares more, has a wisdom that guides his valour
that stops him from committing rash acts like Macbeth has done.
 Macbeth is also concerned that he may become the king but wears a fruitless crown and carries a barren
sceptre. The witches have prophesied that Banquo will be a father to a line of kings. In that case, he has filed
his hand, murdered Duncan, disturbed his own peace and given his eternal jewel (his soul) to the common
enemy of man (Satan or evil) not for his own successors but for the posterity/seeds of Banquo. Thus, he
determines to change his fate and determines the murder of Banquo and his son.

Significance
 The soliloquy reveals Macbeth’s growing paranoia. He sees Banquo, once a friend and confidante, as
a threat to his throne.
 His acts are now dictated by his fears for the future and his choice of removing the threat in Banquo
and his son.
 Macbeth envies Banquo’s “royalty of nature” or nobility, but, quickly discards it, and chooses
ruthlessness, which paves the way to his downfall.

3. How does Macbeth instigate the murderers? Why does he say that he cannot kill Banquo himself?

Macbeth uses several tricks to manipulate the murderers into killing Banquo and Fleance. Macbeth avoids
directly mentioning that he was Banquo killed. Instead, he manipulates them into believe it’s their own idea
for revenge.

 Macbeth tells the murders that Banquo was the one who held them back and kept them in
misfortune. He suggests that killing Banquo will improve their situation. He tries to stir up anger and
resentment in the murderers.
 Macbeth challenges their masculinity, implying that a real man would not tolerate their enemy
going unpunished.
 Macbeth subtly hints at rewarding them with his favour and trust if they eliminate his enemy.

Macbeth believes that he can sweep Banquo with his barefaced power. But, he must not do it as they have
common friends, whose favour and support Macbeth requires. He also warns the murderers to perform the
act in such a way that no suspicion falls on Macbeth.

4. Give a character analysis of Macbeth from this scene. / What transformation can be seen in Macbeth?

Macbeth’s character is undergoing a change in this scene.

 He is learning to exercise his power of manipulation over people, a necessary skill for a tyrannical
ruler. Macbeth’s conversation with Banquo and later with the two Murderers, shows that he has
already become an intriguer.
 He collects cleverly the information from Banquo regarding his movements, so that he can give
proper instructions to the two Murderers.
 Macbeth changes his tone when he speaks to the two Murderers. He explains why he himself cannot
give command for the execution of Banquo. He explains to them why Fleance should be killed along
with Banquo. He persuades the murders with his rhetoric and promise of favour.
 He uses arguments focussing on “manhood” of the murderers.