Macbeth: Act III, Scene iv

Characterization
o The banquet that we see Macbeth trying to host (without Banquo) is a high
point of Macbeths reign but also the beginning of his downfall. We start
to see Macbeths bizarre behavior, which puzzle and disturb his subjects,
confirming their impression that he is mentally troubled.
o Despite her actions seen in Act II, Lady Macbeth continues to show an
assertive and strong side to her character, taking control of the situation
via telling the lords about the hallucinations that Macbeth is seeing at
the moment. Her cunning yet deceitful manners of dealing of the issue is
what you would expect from her, just like the first Act, but unlike the first
Act, we see that Lady Macbeth is no longer able to control Macbeth in the
manner that we saw in the beginning of the play.
o There is a reason why Shakespeare decided to reintroduce Banquo as a
ghost to haunt Macbeth.
Partly because Shakespeare wrote this part of the play to please
King James I, the reigning monarch at that time, and thus by
having Banquo play a larger role, it would most definitely please
King James.
But also, compared to the original historical context where we see
Shakespeare draw inspiration for his play, where Banquo was
Macbeths accomplice in Duncans murder, we see in
Shakespeares version a man to rebuke Macbeths behavior and
represent a path not taken, by the main character.
This highlights the fact that there is a form of disorder as Macbeth
has become king.
Motifs:
Blood seeing Banquo as a bloody ghost (feels resentment and
guilt that was outlined in the end of Scene ii for having Banquo
murdered),
The Unnatural and Disorder seeing Banquo as a ghost and sitting
in his seat; that the supernatural has a significant part of the play,
and perhaps the witches prophesies become more and more true.
manhood Lady Macbeth questioning Macbeths manhood after
he was shocked/scared when he saw Banquo,
Reputation Macbeth struggle to maintain his reputation as a
strong king, but he tries to grasp it as tightly as possible after he
sees the ghost, but because of the fact that he needs a full glass of
wine to suppress his thoughts and hallucination as LM would
call it.
Plot development post climax; shows the beginning of Macbeth downfall and
his downfall of his reputation yet it is also the height of his rule by seeing that he
is hosting a banquet of some sort.
o It is here where we find that through Macbeths acts of dictatorship; there
are scenes with supernatural elements to increase the audiences sense of
ill omen and the fulfillment of the witches prophesies. Also to indicated

that the great chain of order has been broken- somewhat a moral element
of the story.
Imagery patterns
blood on the ghost = regret/guilt for Macbeth; not much imagery
pattern in this scene because its mainly for plot and character
development
Contrast Macbeth in Act I where he was a respected Thane of King Duncan,
worthy of praise and in control vs him becoming king and appearing crazy and ill
to his lords. He is constantly worried more often and paranoid, lacking the
qualifications of a king that we actually saw in Act I
We also see Lady Macbeth turn from a more humane and passive
character from Scene II to again, a more assertive character once
again, asking Macbeth if hes a man.
Themes- Appearance vs reality- he tries to be the autocratic, strong king that those
around him want to see to lead Scotland, but actually he is incredibly insecure
about his feelings regarding killing Banquo
Reputation: Macbeth sees a ghost that no one else can see, and
Lady Macbeth constantly has to be reminded that he has guests
over- doesnt want to lose face with those around him (the lords).
Purpose it is a necessary scene since it shows the beginning of Macbeths
downfall as a character directly after the climax. We also see Lady Macbeth,
being a contrast from Scene II, but unlike in the beginning of the play, she cant
control Macbeth to the extent.
o We also see the questioning of the Lords currently about Macbeths state,
and that might play a role later on in his downfall.
Strength and weaknesses
o Strength: Shakespeare was able to show the contrast of M being a strong
and powerful king, to someone who appears weak and ill. The audience
begins to pity M because of the illusions he is seeing, due to his guilt and
regret for killing Banquo. We are able to see that M is having self conflict
which is use to shows what is going on in the scene
o Weaknesses: Although this is a strong scene with characterization and the
continuation of the plot with the witches prophesies intact, there is a
portion of the scene where the ghost enters on stage, but Macbeth fails to
see it until several lines later, so we wonder why that is. Wouldnt it be
more impactful if Macbeth saw the ghost move and sit directly in his
chair?
Emotions for Macbeth we are able to see that he is feeling some guilt and regret
[which is symbolized by blood], as well as confusion and fear once he sees
Banquos ghost at the banquet. Lady Macbeth has a sense of frustration and worry
since Macbeth is losing his manhood in front of the lords which is ruining his
reputation. The lords appear concurred about Macbeth wellbeing.