Macbeth Scene Synopsis: Act Three

Scene 1: Macbeth has now taken up residence at Forres. Banquo suspects Macbeth may have murdered Duncan, but remains silent, hoping the witches' prophesies will come true for him as they have for Macbeth. Macbeth enters and announces a state banquet will be held that night. He questions Banquo about his and his son Fleance's activities that night, and Banquo tells him that they will be riding, but should be back in time for the banquet. His court exits, leaving Macbeth alone, when he reveals that he lacks security in his kingship: he has become obsessed by the witches' prophesies to Banquo, and Macbeth sees them as a threat to himself. Two hired murderers enter that had been sent for by Macbeth. Macbeth convinces them that Banquo is their enemy and deserves to be killed. They agree to kill Banquo and Fleance that evening.

Scene 2: Lady Macbeth expresses her unhappiness but when Macbeth enters, she resumes her role as the practical advisor. She and Macbeth have been troubled with disturbed sleep, nightmares and loss of appetite. They are determined to hide their troubles and be welcoming and jovial at the banquet. Macbeth hints he has made a plan for something significant, but doesn't give her any details of it.

Scene 3: As they wait for Banquo and Fleance to pass by, the two murderers are joined by a third. It appears he has been sent by Macbeth who no longer trusts anybody. When Banquo and Fleance arrive carrying a torch, one murderer puts out the light and the other two stab Banquo. Fleance escapes in the darkness.

Scene 4: The Macbeths welcome their guests to the banquet. Macbeth sees one of the murderers at the door, and learns of Banquo's death and Fleance's escape. He is very upset, but is called back by his wife to his duties as host. He comments on how disappointed he is that Banquo was unable to join the feast. As if in answer, the murdered man's ghost enters and sits at the table. The guests do not see the ghost and are alarmed at Macbeth's behavior. Lady Macbeth tries to calm him with appeals to his manliness, common sense and his role as host. The ghost disappears, and the Macbeths blame his strange behavior on poor health. Foolishly, Macbeth calls for a toast to Banquo, who immediately reappears. Macbeth's ravings reveal so much that Lady Macbeth hastily asks the guests to leave. This event marks the turning point for Macbeth's fortunes in the play. As Lady Macbeth wearily tries to comfort Macbeth, he reveals he's angry at Macduff and plans to visit the witches again. He says that more evil experience will help him deal with the horrors he has created.

Scene 5: On a bleak heath we are introduced to Hecate, the queen of witches. She is angry at the three witches for not involving her in their encounters with Macbeth. When she learns they will be meeting with Macbeth the next day, Hecate tells them they will plan to lead Macbeth to his downfall by making him feel over-confident.

Scene 6: Lennox and another lord discuss crimes they are now certain have been committed by Macbeth. They also reveal new developments: Macbeth is furious at Macduff for refusing to attend his banquet; Malcolm is safe in England at the court of King Edward; Macduff is on his way to join Malcolm in England and raise an English army against Macbeth; and Macbeth is making preparations for defence. Scotland is filled with fear and suffering and they pray to God for a return to normal, safe times.