Macbeth Analysis

Individual Analysis - Macbeth

Act 3, Scene 4. Lines 37-97.

The section that my group chose to perform was lines 37-97 of act 3.4. Prior to this section, Macbeth has just sat down to a banquet when he is interrupted for a private word with one of the murderers that he had assigned to kill Banquo. The murderer informs him that Banquo's "throat is cut" and that Banquo's son "Fleance is scaped". This news upsets Macbeth and makes him feel "cabined.../confined (and)/ bound in to.../ doubts and fears". This is significant because Macbeth is beginning to truly acknowledge the sheer extent to which he has gone to, to secure his throne. He is beginning to question his motives, and is experiencing self-doubt.

Between lines 37 and 97, Macbeth is haunted by his guilty conscience. After the murderer exits, Macbeth moves to return to his royal place at the table when he is confronted with the vision of Banquo's ghost. Horrorfied, he speaks to the ghost (which is invisible to all but him). Realising how strange this must look, Lady Macbeth reassures the guests that Macbeth often has such "visions" and that they should disregard his behavior. She then speaks to Macbeth aside, tries to get him to come to his senses. Banquo's ghost then disappears, allowing Macbeth to recover. He tells his lords of his "strange infirmity which is nothing/ to those who know..." him. He makes a toast to his company, when Banquo's ghost re-appears and frightens Macbeth into more outbursts. Lady Macbeth tries to make further excuses for her husband, before sending the shocked and worried guests out of the room, bidding them "a kind good night". The ghost then vanishes again.

Following this section, Macbeth tells Lady Macbeth of his intentions to revisit the witches as he wants to know who else may be plotting against him. He decides that he will