Macbeth Group

Question:

dev321
dev321
Student
High School - 12th Grade

What is the importance of Fleance's escape?

macbeth act3

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Posted by dev321 on Sunday May 18, 2008 at 4:53 PM and tagged with act 3, escape, fleance, macbeth.

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  1. allyson Teacher
    High School - 10th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    Initially when Macbeth and Banquo met the witches, the witches told the men their future. To Macbeth, they promised the crown; to Banquo, they promised that his son would inherit the crown. Therefore, Macbeth wants Fleance killed, so that he would not feel threatened by the fact that Fleance is destined to be king. Because Fleance escapes, Macbeth cannot be content with his power. Also, his escape reinforces the witches' prophecy. Macbeth's ambition has yet to overpower destiny.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/macbeth/act-iii-summary-analysis

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    Posted by allyson on Sunday May 18, 2008 at 5:19 PM

  2. pmiranda2857
    pmiranda2857 Teacher
    High School - 10th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    Fleance's escape is necessary for the fullfilment of the witches prophecy.  Banquo gets murdered, Macbeth must face the inevitable, that Banquo's heirs will command the throne one day.  Fleance, being Banquo's son will set this process in motion with his actions in the future. 

    Fleance's escape insures that Macbeth will never be satisfied with his crown, he will never feel that he has achieved true success.  He already feels that he has murdered for Banquo's heirs.  He holds an empty septer and a fruitless crown.  Macbeth has no children, so therefore, he feels that his reign will be too short and constantly threatened because of Fleance. 

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    Posted by pmiranda2857 on Sunday May 18, 2008 at 5:54 PM