ISC Class 12 English Drama Macbeth Act 3 Scene 1 Summary, Theme, Explanation along with difficult word meanings
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ISC Class 12 – Macbeth Act 3 Scene 1
By William Shakespeare
Macbeth Act 3, Scene 1 marks a shift in power as Macbeth, now king, becomes insecure, while Banquo grows suspicious of Macbeth’s bloody ascent to the throne, suspecting foul play. The scene is set in the palace, where Macbeth, pretending to be a friend, invites Banquo to a banquet but secretly hires murderers to kill Banquo and his son Fleance to stop the witches’ prophecy of Banquo’s descendants becoming kings from coming true, showing Macbeth’s slide into tyranny.
- Macbeth Act 3 Scene 1 Summary
- Macbeth Act 3 Scene 1 Summary in Hindi
- Macbeth Act 3 Scene 1 Theme
- Macbeth Act 3 Scene 1 Explanation
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Macbeth Act 3 Scene 1 Summary
In the first scene of Act 3, Banquo is waiting alone at the palace located in Forres and begins to think about what the witches prophesied regarding his own family will ultimately come to pass. Banquo begins to feel worried about whether or not Macbeth has done anything wrong to achieve his current status of King of Scotland, as every prediction that the witches made regarding Macbeth have come true (i.e. Thanes of Glamis, Thanes of Cawdor, King of Scotland). Moreover, Banquo recalls that the witches also told him that he would be the descendant of a future royal lineage. For this reason, Banquo feels a bit reassured by this prediction regarding his descendants.
Macbeth and Lady Macbeth enter, now dressed as King and Queen, followed by their court. Macbeth warmly greets Banquo as his chief guest for a great feast being held that evening. After a while, in the afternoon, before Banquo departs to go riding, Macbeth interrogates him with a series of inquiries about where Banquo intends to go and how much longer he will be gone. Macbeth also wanted to confirm whether or not Fleance would accompany Banquo. In response, Banquo answered bluntly and stated exactly where he would be riding and at what time he would return. Macbeth also asks if Banquo’s son, Fleance is going with him. Banquo tells Macbeth everything. He does not know that Macbeth is asking these questions so he can plan to kill him.
Once everyone leaves, Macbeth delivers a famous soliloquy expressing his deep insecurity. He realizes that being king means nothing if he is not safe. He fears Banquo because of his nature and wisdom. More importantly, Macbeth is bothered by the thought that he has no children to inherit the throne, while the witches promised the throne to Banquo’s sons. He feels he has sold his soul and murdered Duncan just to make Banquo’s children kings.
To solve this problem, Macbeth meets with two men he has hired to be murderers. He manipulates them by claiming that Banquo is the source of all their poverty and misfortune. He questions their manhood, comparing different types of men to different breeds of dogs, to provoke them into proving their strength. The men, who are desperate and bitter about their lives, agree to kill Banquo to get revenge on the world and please the King.
Macbeth told the murderers that he cannot kill Banquo himself because they share mutual friends, and he must be able to publicly mourn Banquo’s death. He instructs them to hide along the road and ambush Banquo that night. Most importantly, he emphasises that they must also kill Banquo’s son, Fleance, to ensure that the witches’ prophecy about Banquo’s bloodline never comes true. The scene ends with Macbeth’s cold declaration that Banquo’s soul is destined for heaven, it needs to be sent there by the end of the day.
Summary of Macbeth Act 3 Scene 1 in Hindi
एक्ट 3 के पहले दृश्य में, बैंको फोरेस में स्थित महल में अकेला इंतजार कर रहा है और यह सोचने लगता है कि चुड़ैलों ने उसके अपने परिवार के बारे में जो भविष्यवाणी की थी, वह अंततः कैसे होगी। बैंको इस बात से चिंतित होना शुरू कर देता है कि मैकबेथ ने स्कॉटलैंड के राजा की अपनी वर्तमान स्थिति को प्राप्त करने के लिए कुछ भी गलत किया है या नहीं, क्योंकि मैकबेथ के बारे में चुड़ैलों की भविष्यवाणी सच हो गई है (i.e. थेनस ऑफ ग्लैमिस, थेनस ऑफ कावडोर, स्कॉटलैंड के राजा) इसके अलावा, बैंको याद करते हैं कि चुड़ैलों ने उनसे यह भी कहा था कि वे भविष्य के शाही वंश के वंशज होंगे। इस कारण से, बैंको अपने वंशजों के बारे में इस भविष्यवाणी से थोड़ा आश्वस्त महसूस करता है।
मैकबेथ और लेडी मैकबेथ प्रवेश करते हैं, जो अब राजा और रानी के रूप में तैयार होते हैं, उनके बाद उनका दरबार होता है। मैकबेथ उस शाम आयोजित होने वाली एक बड़ी दावत के लिए अपने मुख्य अतिथि के रूप में बैंको का गर्मजोशी से स्वागत करता है। कुछ समय बाद, दोपहर में, इससे पहले कि बैंको सवारी करने के लिए प्रस्थान करता है, मैकबेथ उससे पूछताछ की एक श्रृंखला के साथ पूछताछ करता है कि बैंको कहाँ जाने का इरादा रखता है और वह कितने समय तक चला जाएगा। मैकबेथ यह भी पुष्टि करना चाहते थे कि फ्लेंस बैंको के साथ जाएंगे या नहीं। जवाब में, बैंको ने स्पष्ट रूप से जवाब दिया और बताया कि वह कहाँ सवारी करेंगे और किस समय लौटेंगे। मैकबेथ यह भी पूछता है कि क्या बैंको का बेटा, फ्लेंस उसके साथ जा रहा है। बैंको मैकबेथ को सब कुछ बताता है। वह नहीं जानता कि मैकबेथ ये सवाल पूछ रहा है ताकि वह उसे मारने की योजना बना सके।
एक बार जब हर कोई चला जाता है, तो मैकबेथ अपनी गहरी असुरक्षा व्यक्त करते हुए एक प्रसिद्ध स्वगत भाषण देता है। उसे एहसास होता है कि अगर वह सुरक्षित नहीं है तो राजा होने का कोई मतलब नहीं है। वह अपने स्वभाव और ज्ञान के कारण बैंको से डरता है। इससे भी महत्वपूर्ण बात यह है कि मैकबेथ इस विचार से परेशान है कि सिंहासन के उत्तराधिकारी के रूप में उसकी कोई संतान नहीं है, जबकि चुड़ैलों ने बैंको के बेटों को सिंहासन देने का वादा किया था। उसे लगता है कि उसने अपनी आत्मा बेच दी है और बैंको के बच्चों को राजा बनाने के लिए डंकन की हत्या कर दी है।
इस समस्या को हल करने के लिए, मैकबेथ दो लोगों से मिलता है जिन्हें उसने हत्यारे बनने के लिए काम पर रखा है। वह उन्हें यह दावा करके जोड़-तोड़ करता है कि बैंको उनकी सारी गरीबी और दुर्भाग्य का स्रोत है। वह उनकी मर्दानगी पर सवाल उठाता है, विभिन्न प्रकार के पुरुषों की तुलना कुत्तों की विभिन्न नस्लों से करता है, ताकि उन्हें अपनी ताकत साबित करने के लिए उकसाया जा सके। वे लोग, जो अपने जीवन के बारे में हताश और कड़वे हैं, दुनिया से बदला लेने और राजा को खुश करने के लिए बैंको को मारने के लिए सहमत हो जाते हैं।
मैकबेथ हत्यारों से कहता है कि वह बैंको को खुद नहीं मार सकता क्योंकि वे आपसी दोस्त साझा करते हैं, और उसे सार्वजनिक रूप से बैंको की मृत्यु पर शोक व्यक्त करने में सक्षम होना चाहिए। वह उन्हें सड़क के किनारे छिपने और उस रात बैंको पर घात लगाकर हमला करने का निर्देश देता है। महत्वपूर्ण रूप से, वह इस बात पर जोर देता है कि उन्हें बैंको के बेटे, फ्लेंस को भी मारना चाहिए, ताकि यह सुनिश्चित किया जा सके कि बैंको की रक्तरेखा के बारे में चुड़ैलों की भविष्यवाणी कभी सच न हो। दृश्य मैकबेथ की ठंडी घोषणा के साथ समाप्त होता है कि बैंको की आत्मा स्वर्ग के लिए नियत है, इसे दिन के अंत तक वहां भेजे जाने की आवश्यकता है।
Theme of Macbeth Act 3 Scene 1
Fear and Insecurity
Macbeth may be the King at this point but he is not happy. He lives in constant fear of losing the throne. In his words, ‘To be thus is nothing’ means that his position as King is meaningless unless he is secure in it. The idea of guilt over killing King Duncan and fear of loss of position will destroy a person’s peace of mind, as well as integrity.
Power Corruption
In the early part of the play, Macbeth was a valiant soldier, defending his country with honour. This part of the play is an example of how much the character of Macbeth has changed as an individual. He has fallen from grace as a soldier but has now picked up the sword i.e. the power of the crown to kill his best friend Banquo, and has become a power-crazed tyrant; he lies to from oppression, how he lies to make others believe that Banquo is a threat to their lives and that they need to assist him, but he then reveals to the audience how power will turn a man into a moral and corrupt tyrant.
Fate And Free Will
This scene also illustrates the conflict between what is predestined for a person versus how that person has the ability to make a choice regarding that future. In other words, at this point in Act III, Macbeth has an obsession with the witches’ prophecies, specifically the part regarding the future kings from the lineage of Banquo. Instead of allowing fate to take its course through time, Macbeth is challenging fate through his free will to try and defeat fate by killing Banquo and Fleance. He, therefore, is personally challenging fate to a duel, so to speak.
Theme of Masculinity
Much like Lady Macbeth did to him in Act 1, Macbeth now questions the manhood of the murderers to get them to do what he wants. He compares men to dogs, saying that just as there are different ranks of dogs i.e. from hounds to curs, there are different ranks of men. He suggests that if they are real men, they will prove it by committing this murder.
Theme of Betrayal
The ‘indissoluble tie’ of friendship that Banquo mentions is completely broken in this scene. Banquo suspects Macbeth of murder, and Macbeth sees Banquo as his biggest threat. This theme shows how the pursuit of ambition can destroy even the strongest bonds of loyalty and love, leaving the protagonist completely alone.
Appearance vs. Reality
Macbeth and Banquo are extremely polite to each other in public. Macbeth calls Banquo as his chief guest, and Banquo pledges his duties to the King. However, both are lying. Banquo thinks Macbeth is a murderer, while Macbeth is planning Banquo’s death. This theme of appearance shows that one can never trust what people say or how they look.
Setting of the Scene
The setting of Macbeth Act 3, Scene 1 is Forres, the capital of Scotland where Duncan was king and the royal residence before Macbeth became king. The change from a Duncan ruled country to being ruled by Macbeth is illustrated by this transition to a new leadership in the palace. The palace is supposed to be a safe place where people celebrate their victories with happiness, however there is an air of uncertainty and distrust surrounding everything that goes on in the palace. The opening of this act has Banquo alone in the dark shadows of the court, waiting for his turn to speak with Macbeth and reflecting upon what he has learned from the witches. When Macbeth walks into the court dressed in his regal attire and is greeted with excitement and fanfare by all of the attendants, he quickly transforms this public atmosphere into a forum for discussing all of the formalities regarding the upcoming feast, but then, in a very short time, turns this atmosphere into a secret meeting place filled with ominous undertones of murder and treachery. After all of the attendees have left the court, the atmosphere remains dark and the setting for private discussions between Macbeth and the three murderers takes place in the very dark recesses of the palace which should have been a place of law and order in Scotland; however, now, in addition to representing the monarchy and lawful kingdom of Scotland, it represents the hideouts of criminals within the kingdom. By showing how Macbeth can take over the regal palace and yet remain in the shadows and alone while planning his worst atrocities, although he is a king in the palace, he has put himself into the position of being a criminal hiding in the shadows.
Macbeth Act III, Scene 1 Explanation
The scene takes place at Forres, in a room in the former palace of Duncan. Macbeth, the new king, Lady Macbeth, Lennox, Ross, Lords and attendants enter the scene. Later in a soliloquy, Macbeth expresses his fear of Banquo because, according to the prophecy of the witches, future kings of Scotland will be the descendants of Banquo. Due to this factor, Macbeth plans to get rid of Banquo and Fleance. After eliciting from Banquo particulars of his and his son’s movements, Macbeth hires two criminals to kill both the father and the son.
Play
Scene 1. Forres. The palace.
Enter Banquo
Banquo
Thou hast it now: king, Cawdor, Glamis, all,
As the weird women promised, and I fear,
Thou play’dst most foully for’t: yet it was said
It should not stand in thy posterity,
But that myself should be the root and father
Of many kings. If there come truth from them—
As upon thee, Macbeth, their speeches shine—
Why, by the verities on thee made good,
May they not be my oracles as well,
And set me up in hope? But hush: no more.
Sennet sounded. Enter Macbeth, as king;
Lady Macbeth, as queen, Lennox, Ross, Lords, Ladies and Attendants
Macbeth
Here’s our chief guest.
Lady Macbeth
If he had been forgotten,
It had been as a gap in our great feast,
And all-thing unbecoming.
Word Meanings
it: crown.
Cawdor, Glamis: Scottish land. Thane of Glamis is Macbeth’s starting title, while Thane of Cawdor is a promotion given after the original traitorous Thane is executed
weird women: witches.
stand in thy posterity: pass on to your descendants.
posterity: the future and the people who will be alive then
root and father: ancestor.
speeches shine: predictions have proved glorious.
verities: prophecies.
made good: fulfilled.
my oracles: truthful predictions to me.
Explanation— Banquo enters and speaks to himself, acknowledging that Macbeth has now achieved everything the witches promised, becoming King, Thane of Cawdor, and Thane of Glamis. However, Banquo expresses a dark suspicion, stating that he fears Macbeth committed a terrible crime to gain the throne. He then reflects on the prophecy regarding his own future, noting that the witches said the crown would not remain in Macbeth’s family, but that he, Banquo, would be the forefather of a line of kings. He reasons that since the prophecies about Macbeth turned out to be true, the witches’ words might be reliable for him as well, giving him a sense of hope. However, he quickly silences himself as the royal procession approaches. As a trumpet sounds, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth enter in their royal robes, accompanied by their court. Macbeth immediately identifies Banquo as their most important guest. Lady Macbeth adds that if they had forgotten to invite him, it would have left a significant hole in their great celebration and would have been entirely inappropriate for the occasion. Banquo is not as purely good as he is often perceived; he finds himself seduced by the same hope that destroyed Macbeth. Both are ambitious, while Macbeth acts violently to force fate, Banquo chooses to wait for it. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth as King and Queen is a dramatic irony as they are dressed in the highest symbols of authority, yet the audience knows they are murderers.
Play
Macbeth
To-night we hold a solemn supper, sir,
And I’ll request your presence.
Banquo
Let your highness
Command upon me; to the which my duties
Are with a most indissoluble tie
For ever knit.
Macbeth
Ride you this afternoon?
Banquo
Ay, my good lord.
Macbeth
We should have else desired your good advice,
Which still hath been both grave and prosperous
In this day’s council: but we’ll take to-morrow
Is’t far you ride?
Banquo
As far, my lord, as will fill up the time
‘Twixt this and supper: go not my horse the better,
I must become a borrower of the night
For a dark hour, or twain.
Macbeth
Fail not our feast.
Banquo
My lord, I will not.
Word Meanings
solemn supper: ceremonial banquet.
to the which: to which command.
indissoluble: that cannot be broken.
still: always.
grave and prosperous: important and profitable.
council: meeting of the Privy Council.
we’ll take to-morrow: we will find some spare time tomorrow.
‘Twixt: between.
twain: two.
Explanation— Macbeth informs Banquo that they are hosting a formal ceremonial supper that evening and formally requests his attendance. Banquo responds with great loyalty, stating that the King should command him, as his duties to the crown are tied with an unbreakable bond that will last forever. Macbeth then asks if Banquo plans to go riding that afternoon, to which Banquo confirms that he does. Macbeth remarks that he would have liked to have Banquo’s advice at the council meeting that day, as his counsel has always been serious and helpful, but he decides they will wait until the following day instead. Macbeth then inquires about the distance Banquo intends to travel. Banquo explains that he will be riding for just enough time to fill the interval between then and supper; he adds that unless his horse is particularly fast, he will likely have to continue riding for an hour or two after it gets dark. Macbeth concludes by firmly telling him not to miss the feast, and Banquo assures his lord that he will certainly be there. The word ‘indissoluble’ i.e. unbreakable is deeply ironic, as both the men are wearing masks, hiding their true thoughts behind rigid social etiquette. Banquo’s mention that he must become a ‘borrower of the night’ for a ‘dark hour or twain’, he literally intends to ride in the dark, but figuratively, he is riding into the darkness of Macbeth’s plot.His life now depends on speed and luck, both of which will fail him in the coming ambush.
Play
Macbeth
We hear, our bloody cousins are bestow’d
In England and in Ireland, not confessing
Their cruel parricide, filling their hearers
With strange invention, but of that to-morrow,
When therewithal we shall have cause of state
Craving us jointly. Hie you to horse: adieu,
Till you return at night. Goes Fleance with you?
Banquo
Ay, my good lord: our time does call upon’s.
Macbeth
I wish your horses swift and sure of foot;
And so I do commend you to their backs.
Farewell.
[Exit Banquo
Let every man be master of his time
Till seven at night; to make society
The sweeter welcome, we will keep ourself
Till supper-time alone: while then, God be with you!
[Exeunt all but Macbeth and an Attendant
Sirrah, a word with you: attend those men
Our pleasure!
Attendant
They are, my lord, without the palace-gate.
Word Meanings
bloody: stained with the blood of Duncan.
are bestow’d: have found shelter in.
Parricide: the killing of a parent or other near relative
invention: invented stories.
of that: we shall talk about it.
therewithal: soon.
cause of state: affairs of the state.
Craving us jointly: Demanding our joint attention.
Hie you to horse: adieu: Hurry to your horse, goodbye, until you return tonight
swift… foot: fast and safe journey.
commend: entrust.
Sirrah: used as a term of address for a man or boy, especially one younger or of lower status than the speaker.
Explanation— Macbeth mentions to Banquo that he has received news regarding his bloody cousins i.e. Malcolm and Donalbain, who have settled in England and Ireland. He claims they are refusing to admit to the murder of their father and are instead spreading lies to anyone who will listen. Macbeth suggests they postpone discussing this until the next day, when they will handle matters of state together. He then urges Banquo to get to his horse and bids him farewell until they meet again that night, specifically asking if Fleance is going with him. Banquo confirms that his son is indeed joining him and notes that they must leave immediately as time is pressing. Macbeth responds by wishing that Banquo’s horses are fast and reliable, and he bids him a final farewell as Banquo exits. Once Banquo is gone, Macbeth addresses the rest of the court, telling everyone that they are free to do as they wish until seven o’clock that evening. He explains that he intends to stay alone until supper time to make the evening’s company more enjoyable. After dismissing the lords and ladies, Macbeth turns to a servant and asks if the men he is expecting are waiting for him. The Attendant confirms that the men are currently waiting outside the palace gates. Macbeth’s focus shifts from Banquo, who is the contemporary threat to Fleance, the future threat. It marks the moment Macbeth decides to wage war against the prophecy itself.
Play
Macbeth
Bring them before us.
[Exit Attendant
To be thus is nothing
But to be safely thus. – Our fears in Banquo
Stick deep, and in his royalty of nature
Reigns that which would be fear’d. ’tis much he dares:
And, to that dauntless temper of his mind,
He hath a wisdom that doth guide his valour
To act in safety. There is none but he
Whose being I do fear: and under him
My genius is rebuked, as, it is said,
Mark Antony’s was by Caesar. He chid the sisters,
When first they put the name of king upon me,
And bade them speak to him; then prophet-like,
They hail’d him father to a line of kings:
Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown,
And put a barren sceptre in my gripe,
Thence to be wrench’d with an unlineal hand,
No son of mine succeeding. If’t be so
For Banquo’s issue have I filed my mind;
For them the gracious Duncan have
I murder’d, Put rancours in the vessel of my peace
Only for them, and mine eternal jewel
Given to the common enemy of man,
To make them kings, the seed of Banquo kings!
Rather than so, come, fate, into the list,
And champion me to the utterance! Who’s there?
Re-enter Attendant, with two Murderers stay
Now go to the door, and stay there till we call.
[Exit Attendant
Was it not yesterday we spoke together?
First Murderer
It was, so please your highness.
Word Meanings
genius: guiding spirit.
rebuked: to speak angrily to somebody because they have done something wrong
Caesar: Octavius Caesar.
chid: rebuked
Bade: utter (a greeting or farewell) to.
Prophet- like: A person who foretells future events by or as if by supernatural means
barren: fruitless.
Sceptre: a decorated rod carried by a king or queen on ceremonial occasions as a symbol of their power
gripe: grasp
wrench’d with an unlineal hand: snatched away forcefully by someone of different descent. Macbeth’s power (the sceptre) will be violently taken from him by someone not from his direct family line,
issue: descendants.
filed: soiled.
rancours: bitterness or resentfulness, especially when long standing.
Explanation— After ordering the attendant to bring the men inside, Macbeth reflects privately on his current situation. He acknowledges that being king is meaningless unless he can be secure in that position. He admits that his fears regarding Banquo are deep-seated because of Banquo’s naturally noble character and the fact that he possesses both the courage to act and the wisdom to do so safely. Macbeth confesses that Banquo is the only person he truly fears, noting that in Banquo’s presence, his own guiding spirit feels intimidated, much like Mark Antony’s was by Octavius Caesar. He recalls how Banquo challenged the witches when they first named Macbeth king, demanding they speak to him as well. The witches then prophesied that Banquo would be the father of a line of kings. Macbeth expresses bitter resentment that he wears a fruitless crown and holds a barren sceptre, meaning he has no children to inherit his throne. He laments that he has spoiled his own mind, destroyed his peace, and given his eternal soul to the devil by murdering the gracious King Duncan, all just to make Banquo’s descendants kings. Refusing to accept this, he calls upon fate to enter the arena and fight him to the death. At that moment, the Attendant returns with two murderers. Macbeth instructs the servant to wait by the door until he is called. Turning to the men, Macbeth asks if it was not just the day before that they had last spoken together, to which the First Murderer confirms that it was. The more power Macbeth gains, the more vulnerable he feels. He describes his crown as fruitless and his scepter( a leaning stick for King, which is a token of sovereignty) as barren. These are agricultural terms that suggest a lack of life and growth.
Play
Macbeth
Well then, now
Have you consider’d of my speeches? Know
That it was he in the times past which held you
So under fortune; which you thought had been
Our innocent self: this I made good to you,
In our last conference, pass’d in probation with you,
How you were borne in hand, how cross’d, the instruments,
Who wrought with them, and all things else that might
To half a soul and to a notion crazed
Say “Thus did Banquo.”
First Murderer
You made it known to us.
Macbeth
I did so; and went further, which is now
Our point of second meeting. Do you find
Your patience so predominant in your nature,
That you can let this go? Are you so gospell’d
To pray for this good man and for his issue,
Whose heavy hand hath bow’d you to the grave,
And beggar’d yours for ever?
First Murderer
We are men, my liege.
Macbeth
Ay, in the catalogue ye go for men;
As hounds and greyhounds, mongrels, spaniels, curs,
Shoughs, water-rugs, and demi-wolves are clept
All by the name of dogs: the valued file
Distinguishes the swift, the slow, the subtle,
The housekeeper, the hunter, every one
According to the gift which bounteous nature
Hath in him closed, whereby he does receive
Particular addition, from the bill
That writes them all alike: and so of men.
Now, if you have a station in the file,
Not i’ the worst rank of manhood, say’t;
And I will put that business in your bosoms,
Whose execution takes your enemy off
Grapples you to the heart and love of us,
Who wear our health but sickly in his life,
Which in his death were perfect.
Word Meanings
made good: proved clearly.
pass’d in probation: proved point by point.
borne in hand: deceived.
cross’d: frustrated.
instruments: means that were used.
wrought: worked.
point of: moment of.
predominant: strong.
gospell’d: the record of Christ’s life and teaching in the first four books of the New Testament.
liege: a feudal superior or sovereign.
a station in the file: having a specific rank or position in a list or group of people
execution: performance.
grapples: seize or hold with
in his life: as long as he lives.
in his death: after his death.
Explanation— Macbeth asks the two men if they have thought about what he told them during their previous meeting. He reminds them of his claim that Banquo was the person responsible for their past misfortunes and poverty, even though they had previously and mistakenly blamed Macbeth himself. He asserts that he has already provided them with the evidence and explained exactly how they were deceived and manipulated by Banquo’s influence. The First Murderer acknowledges that Macbeth has made these points clear to them. Macbeth continues by explaining that the purpose of this second meeting is to see if they are actually willing to take action. He mockingly asks if they are so patient and religious that they would stay quiet and even pray for a man like Banquo, someone who has treated them so harshly that he has ruined their lives and left their families in poverty. When the First Murderer defends their character by stating that they are indeed men, Macbeth replies with a sharp comparison. He explains that while they might be listed as men in a general sense, the same is true for all kinds of dogs, from greyhounds to common curs, which are all called dogs despite having very different qualities. He argues that just as dogs are ranked and valued based on their specific natural gifts like being fast, subtle, or good hunters, men are also ranked by their actions. He tells them that if they hold a position in the list of manhood that is not the absolute lowest, they should prove it by accepting a task he has for them. He promises that by killing their enemy, Banquo, they will earn his deep loyalty and love. Macbeth concludes by admitting that his own life feels unpleasant and threatened as long as Banquo is alive, but that he would feel perfectly healthy and secure if Banquo were dead. By comparing the murderers to different breeds of dogs, he challenges them to prove they are greyhounds i.e. hunters rather than curs i.e. scavengers. He essentially tells them that their humanity is not a birthright, it is something they must earn through a violent execution.
Play
Second Murderer
I am one, my liege,
Whom the vile blows and buffets of the world
Hath so incens’d that I am reckless what
I do to spite the world.
First Murderer
And I another,
So weary with disasters, tugg’d with fortune,
That I would set my life on any chance,
To mend it or be rid on’t.
Macbeth
Both of you
Know Banquo was your enemy.
Both Murderers
True, my lord.
Macbeth
So is he mine, and in such bloody distance
That every minute of his being thrusts
Against my near’st of life; and though I could
With barefaced power sweep him from my sight
And bid my will avouch it, yet I must not,
For certain friends that are both his and mine,
Whose loves I may not drop, but wail his fall
Who I myself struck down: and thence it is
That I to your assistance do make love,
Masking the business from the common eye
For sundry weighty reasons.
Word Meanings
liege: a feudal superior or sovereign.
vile: extremely unpleasant.
incens’d: angered.
what: as to wat
spite: to show my revenge.
tugg’d with fortunes: struggled with fate.
set my life: stake my life.
avouch: affirm or assert
sundry: of various kind
Explanation — The Second Murderer tells the King that he has been treated so badly by the world that he has become angry and reckless, willing to do anything just to get revenge. The First Murderer adds that he is also exhausted by constant disasters and bad luck, to the point where he is willing to gamble his life on any opportunity to either fix his situation or end it entirely. Macbeth clarifies with both men that they understand Banquo is their enemy, which they both agree is true. Macbeth then confesses that Banquo is his enemy as well. He describes the threat Banquo poses as being so close that it feels like a sword pointed at his very heart every single minute. He explains that although he has the absolute power as King to simply have Banquo executed and justify it as his royal will, he cannot do so for political reasons. He reveals that they share mutual friends whose support he must keep. Therefore, he must be able to publicly mourn the man he actually ordered to be killed. Because of these complicated reasons, he explains that he must seek the murderers’ help in secret, hiding the plan from the public eye to protect his own reputation.
Play
Second Murderer
We shall, my lord,
Perform what you command us.
First Murderer
Though our lives—
Macbeth
Your spirits shine through you. Within this hour at most,
I will advise you where to plant yourselves,
Acquaint you with the perfect spy o’ the time,
The moment on’t; for’t must be done to-night,
And something from the palace; always thought,
That I require a clearness; and with him—
To leave no rubs nor botches in the work
Fleance his son, that keeps him company,
Whose absence is no less material to me
Than is his father’s, must embrace the fate
Of that dark hour. Resolve yourselves apart:
I’ll come to you anon.
Both Murderers
We are resolved, my lord.
Macbeth
I’ll call upon you straight: abide within.
[Exeunt Murderers
It is concluded: Banquo, thy soul’s flight,
If it find heaven, must find it out to-night.
[Exit]
Word Meanings
plant yourselves: take up positions.
perfect spy o’ the time: exact time.
something: distance.
from: away from.
thought: borne in mind.
clearness: freedom from suspicion.
rubs: mistakes.
botches: defects.
Explanation — The Second Murderer promises the King that they will carry out exactly what he has commanded. The First Murderer begins to say that they will do it even if it costs them their lives, but Macbeth interrupts them, praising their determination and saying that their courageous spirits are obvious. Macbeth tells them that within the next hour, he will provide them with specific instructions on where to hide and the exact time to strike. He emphasizes that the murder must take place that very night and at a distance from the palace, because he must remain completely free of any suspicion. Most importantly, Macbeth adds that to ensure the job is done perfectly and without any mistakes, they must also kill Banquo’s son, Fleance, who will be with him. He explains that getting rid of the son is just as important to him as killing the father. He tells the men to go aside and make their final decision, and they both quickly confirm that they are fully resolved to do it. Macbeth tells them to wait inside and that he will call for them shortly. After the murderers leave, Macbeth speaks to himself, concluding that the matter is settled. He addresses the absent Banquo, stating that if his soul is destined for heaven, it will find its way there that very night. He views a Fleance’s life as a potential ‘rub’ i.e. an obstacle or flaw in a construction project. The ‘conclusion’ he speaks of is not just the end of a plan, but the conclusion of his own humanity.
Conclusion
Macbeth Act 3, Scene 1 marks a shift in power as Macbeth, now king, becomes paranoid, while Banquo grows suspicious of Macbeth’s bloody ascent to the throne, suspecting foul play. The scene is set in the palace, where Macbeth, pretending to be a friend, invites Banquo to a banquet but secretly hires murderers to kill Banquo and his son Fleance to stop the witches’ prophecy of Banquo’s descendants becoming kings from coming true, showing Macbeth’s slide into tyranny. Students can take help from this post to understand Act 3, Scene 1 and also learn the difficult word meanings to get a better grasp of Macbeth. This post includes a summary of Macbeth, which will help students of ISC class 12, to get a quick recap of the play.