Act 3, Scene 4 Summary and Analysis
Act 3, Scene 4
In the great hall of his palace, Macbeth welcomes the guests who have come to share his feast. As he does so, the first murderer enters, and Macbeth goes to speak privately to him. The first murderer gives Macbeth the news that he has killed Banquo but that Fleance managed to get away. Macbeth is frustrated by Fleance’s escape but reasons that since Fleance is still a child, he can afford to deal with him later. He returns to the feast.
Macbeth gives a toast, and Lennox invites him to sit down. Ross repeats the invitation, but Macbeth can see no open place to sit. He then observes with horror that the seat they have reserved for him is occupied by the ghost of Banquo. Since no one else can see the ghost, Macbeth’s appalled reaction seems like madness to the thanes. Lady Macbeth steps in and assures them that Macbeth often has these fits, which are not serious and which quickly pass. She rebukes her husband, but he protests that he can scarcely be expected to retain his composure when corpses refuse to stay in their graves.
The ghost leaves and Macbeth recovers, making excuses for his behavior. However, the ghost returns almost immediately, and this time, there is no hiding Macbeth’s terror and fury. Lady Macbeth hurriedly asks all the guests to leave. When they are alone, Macbeth asks if his wife has noted Macduff’s absence. He says this insult is intentional, which he knows because he keeps a network of spies to inform him of such matters. He also tells her that he intends to visit the witches tomorrow, to find out what they can tell him. He has resigned himself to the fact that he will need to shed more blood to stay in power and no longer cares much about doing so.
Analysis
Act 3, scene 4 shows Macbeth’s reign rapidly descending into chaos almost as soon as it has started. Rather than quelling rebellious behavior, Macbeth’s tyrannical rule serves only to inspire disloyalty and suspicion in his thanes. At the end of the scene, Macbeth casually mentions that he has a spy in the house of every thane to inform him of any possible disloyalty and that he has already singled out Macduff as a potential rebel. The early establishment of this network of spies—before any real challenge to Macbeth’s rule has been mounted—demonstrates the depth of Macbeth’s suspicion and paranoia.
At the feast, Macbeth makes a great effort to play the role of the generous, jovial host to curry favor with his thanes. Almost as soon as the feast begins, however, the first murderer enters, and Macbeth is forced to go and whisper in private about his treacherous schemes. Returning to the feast, he tries once again to live up to the image of the magnanimous king, when the ghost of Banquo arrives, reminding him even more vividly of his crimes. His response to the ghost provokes alarm among his guests, and the only explanation Lady Macbeth can furnish on the spur of the moment is not a comforting one. The king, she says, is subject to fits, which often strike him, but quickly pass. In a feudal society, where the power of the king is absolute, any sign of such infirmity or derangement is a matter of life and death. The king must be strong and sane, protecting his realm from foreign invaders and dealing justly with his subjects. Duncan was an exceptionally good king in these respects. By contrast, Macbeth’s screaming and gibbering at an empty stool shows his thanes that he is likely to be an exceptionally bad one.
Expert Q&A
How does Lady Macbeth respond to Macbeth's outburst in Act 3, Scene 4?
Lady Macbeth responds to Macbeth's outburst in act 3, scene 4 by assuring the assembled guests that her husband often behaves like this, and has done so since he was a child. She then goes on to confront Macbeth directly by asking him if he's a man.
What is the significance of the quote from Act 3, Scene 4 to the play Macbeth?
O proper stuff!
This is the very painting of your fear:
This is the air-drawn dagger which, you said,
Led you to Duncan. O, these flaws and starts,
Impostors to true fear, would well become
A woman's story at a winter's fire,
Authorized by her grandam. Shame itself!
Why do you make such faces? When all's done,
You look but on a stool. (3.4.1347-55).
The quote from Act 3, Scene 4 of "Macbeth" is significant as it illustrates the guilt and fear that consume Macbeth after murdering his friend Banquo. Ironically, Lady Macbeth, who initially scolds Macbeth for his fear, later experiences similar guilt-induced hallucinations, ultimately leading to her suicide. This progression underscores the destructive power of guilt and ambition in the play.
What does Macbeth mean by "We are yet but young in deed" in act 3, scene 4?
In Macbeth, when Macbeth says, “We are yet but young in deed,” it means he’s going to commit more murders. There is also the transition from Macbeth serving as the vassal of his wife’s wishes to one of self-agency. He is no longer the axe his wife wants to grind over the kingdom; he is now his own axe. He plans to mature from a murderer who is, as yet, “young in deed,” to an even more murderous, immoral monster.
What is the irony in Lady Macbeth's comment about sleep in Macbeth, Act 3, Scene 4?
Lady Macbeth's comment about sleep is ironic because she later suffers from insomnia and sleepwalking due to guilt, despite initially appearing unaffected by their crimes. This contrasts with her earlier advice to Macbeth about needing sleep for peace. Dramatic irony also exists as the audience knows Macbeth will never sleep well again after killing Duncan. Additionally, the irony extends to Duncan's peaceful sleep being violated, leading to Macbeth and Lady Macbeth losing their own peace.
What does Macbeth see and how does he respond in Act 3, Scene 4 of Macbeth?
In Act 3, Scene 4, Macbeth sees the ghost of Banquo at a banquet, which deeply disturbs him due to his guilt and the disruption of natural order. This supernatural vision symbolizes his inner turmoil and growing paranoia, as he fears retribution for his actions. Lady Macbeth attempts to calm him, suggesting his vision is a product of his fear, but Macbeth remains haunted, believing the ghost seeks revenge, illustrating the play's theme of guilt and consequences.
What devices are used in Macbeth, Act 3, Scene 4, lines 61–87 and what tone do they create?
In Act 3, Scene 4 of Macbeth, lines 61–87, hyperbole, metaphor, and the use of a ghost are key devices creating a dark and tense tone. Macbeth's exaggeration of Banquo's ghost's horror and Lady Macbeth's metaphor comparing Macbeth to a fearful woman highlight their intense fear and guilt. The ghost's appearance heightens the audience's tension, making the scene extremely uncomfortable and anxious.
What is the irony in Macbeth's question, "But Banquo's safe?" in Act 3, Scene 4?
The irony in Macbeth's question, "But Banquo's safe?" in Act 3, Scene 4, lies in the contrast between the surface meaning and Macbeth's intent. Normally, "safe" means alive and unharmed, but Macbeth is actually asking if Banquo is dead. This reveals Macbeth's self-centered perspective, as he seeks reassurance of his own safety from Banquo's threat.
What other decisions does Macbeth make besides killing Banquo in Act 3, Scene 4?
Besides ordering Banquo's murder, Macbeth decides to secure his power by gathering information from a spy in Macduff's house, suspecting Macduff's loyalty after he snubs Macbeth's events. He also plans to visit the Weird Sisters to learn more about his future, determined to let nothing obstruct his path to maintaining power. These decisions highlight his increasing paranoia and dependence on supernatural guidance to safeguard his rule.
Reactions of characters to Macbeth's behavior in Act 3, Scene 4 of "Macbeth."
In Act 3, Scene 4 of "Macbeth," the characters react with a mix of confusion and concern to Macbeth's erratic behavior. While Lady Macbeth attempts to cover for him, claiming he has had such episodes since youth, the guests are unsettled by his outbursts and apparent hallucinations, showing their growing suspicion and unease about his mental state.
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