Act 3, Scene 3 Summary and Analysis
Act 3, Scene 3
In a park near the palace, the murderers wait for Banquo’s approach. The two who appeared in act 3, scene 1 are joined by a third murderer, who says he has been sent by Macbeth with instructions to assist them. Banquo and Fleance enter, and the murderers attack. Banquo dies, but Fleance escapes. The murderers realize they have only finished half of their job and return to the palace to report this result to Macbeth.
Analysis
Act 3, scene 3 is brief and functional, with the notable exception of the first murderer’s lines:
The west yet glimmers with some streaks of day:
Now spurs the lated traveller apace
To gain the timely inn; and near approaches
The subject of our watch.
These lines are a prime example of the way in which Shakespeare introduces great poetry into mundane or ugly situations without any interest in realism. A coarse, brutal man like the first murderer would not say anything remotely like this in real life, but even Shakespeare’s thugs speak with the poet’s voice. Of particular note in this scene is Fleance’s escape, which subtly reinforces the accuracy of the witches’ prophecy. Though Banquo is dead, Macbeth has not succeeded in thwarting the prophecy: Banquo’s line lives on through Fleance.
Expert Q&A
In Macbeth, act 3, scene 3, what occurs during the ambush?
In act 3, scene 3 of Macbeth, three murderers wait for Banquo and Fleance to dismount and begin their journey on foot before they attack. Fleance is holding a torch when they enter the scene, and Banquo comments on the impending rain. The moment Banquo comments on the weather, the murderers ambush him and Fleance. During the ambush, the torch and the murderers' lanterns are extinguished, and Banquo cries for Fleance to run. Although Banquo is slain, Fleance escapes.
What is a literary device used in Act 3, Scene 3 of Macbeth?
A literary device used in Act 3, Scene 3 of Macbeth is apostrophe. When Banquo is ambushed, he cries out, "O, treachery!" addressing the concept of treachery as if it were a person. Additionally, imagery is used when the First Murderer describes the sky as "The west yet glimmers with some streaks of day," creating a vivid visual image.
What two questions arose from reading act 3, scene 3 of Macbeth?
Two questions that might be asked while reading act 3, scene 3 of Macbeth are: Who is the Third Murderer in the scene? Why did the hired assassins not organize their attack better to prevent Fleance from escaping?
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