Macbeth Group

Question:

stopsign
stopsign
Student

Who is the mysterious third murderer in Act III, scene 3? Is it Macbeth? Why or why not?

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Posted by stopsign on Wednesday April 15, 2009 at 4:26 PM and tagged with act iii, macbeth, third murderer.

Answers:

  1. writergal06
    writergal06 Teacher

    eNotes Editor

    There are some critics who say that the third murder is Macbeth. This theory is largely due to the mysterious nature of the third murderer, the fact that he is apparently just there to ensure everything goes correctly, and his disappearance in later scenes. The plot of the play does not seem to support this position. Macbeth acts surprised and upset when the murderers report that Fleance was not killed. Also, within the time period of the play, Macbeth would have to have been at his palace with his dinner guest during the time that Banquo was murdered, further refuting the theory.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/macbeth/

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    Posted by writergal06 on Thursday April 16, 2009 at 6:47 AM


  2. brandih

    eNotes Editor

    Please check out the link below for another answer.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/macbeth/q-and-a/could-third-murdere...

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    Posted by brandih on Thursday April 16, 2009 at 11:26 AM