Thursday, February 22, 2007

Act III, scene i

Here it is, in point form:

1) Banquo suspects that Macbeth was Duncan's murderer, and muses that perhaps the witches' prophecy will come true for him too.

2) Macbeth and Lady M tell Banquo that he will be their guest this evening. Macbeth complains that Malcolm and Donalbain are in England and Ireland spreading rumours. Macbeth asks Banquo to return for the banquet, and asks whether Fleance will be riding with him.

3) Macbeth then reveals his secret intent to have Banquo and his son Fleance murdered. He is angry that he has committed murder, sold his soul to the devil, in order for Banquo's descendents, not his own, to have the throne. He is also uneasy that Banquo may suspect him.

4) He hires two murderers to kill Banquo and Fleance on their way in, as he cannot do it himself without bringing disapproval on himself.

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