Annotated Analysis of Macbeth Act 3 Scene 3

Macbeth's Dark Plans Unfold

Ever wondered how guilt and ambition can completely transform someone? Here we see Macbeth plotting another murder, this time targeting Banquo - his former friend who knows too much about the witches' prophecies.

Lady Macbeth asks what dreadful deed he's planning, but Macbeth keeps her in the dark this time. He tells her to "be innocent of the knowledge" until she can celebrate the results. This shows how their relationship dynamic has shifted - he's now making murderous decisions without her input.

Macbeth's imagery becomes increasingly dark and violent. He calls upon night to hide his crimes, using phrases like "bloody and invisible hand" and "night's black agents." This poetic language reveals his psychological state - he's embracing evil but still needs darkness to hide his shame.

Key Quote: "Things bad begun make strong themselves by ill" - This line perfectly captures how one evil act leads to another, showing Macbeth's moral spiral.

The Murder of Banquo

The tension ramps up immediately as three murderers wait in ambush for Banquo and his son Fleance. Notice how Shakespeare creates suspense - the murderers discuss the approaching twilight and listen for horses, building anticipation for the violence to come.

When Banquo arrives with Fleance carrying a torch, the dramatic irony hits hard. Banquo casually mentions it might rain, not knowing these are his final moments. The First Murderer's response "Let it come down!" signals the attack beginning.

Banquo's death is both tragic and heroic. Even as he's being murdered, his final words urge Fleance to "fly, fly, fly" and seek revenge. However, the murderers' mission is only half successful - Fleance escapes, which will prove crucial later in the play.

Plot Alert: Fleance's escape is vital because the witches prophesied that Banquo's descendants would be kings - this prophecy can still come true!

The scene ends with the murderers realising they've "lost best half of our affair." This partial failure will add to Macbeth's growing paranoia and desperation.