But, he says, discussion of that matter can wait until tomorrow. Macbeth also mentions that "our bloody cousins are bestow'd / In England and in Ireland, not confessing / Their cruel parricide" (3.1.29-31). He finds out that all of that is true, and that - the better for Macbeth's murderous purpose - Banquo will be riding in the dark for an hour or two. He wants to know if it's true that Banquo is going for a ride, and how long he will be gone, and if Fleance (Banquo's son) will ride with him. Macbeth now asks some questions that are supposed to look like friendly chat, but which have a darker purpose. If Macbeth is thinking that Banquo suspects him of killing King Duncan, it's in Banquo's best interest to remind Macbeth that he is King Macbeth's loyal subject. This may sound a bit sarcastic, but Banquo is probably just being very cautious. Banquo answers that Macbeth, as King, can command him and it will be his duty to obey. He addresses Banquo as "our chief guest" (3.1.11), and requests his presence at an evening feast. He wants them all to see what a good friend he is to Banquo. Macbeth proceeds to put on a show for those people. The new King and Queen are accompanied by Lennox, Ross, and other important people. The robes probably look very much like the robes in which we last saw King Duncan, and we may be shocked to see the murderers wearing the clothes of the man they killed. Now we hear a "sennet" (a flourish of trumpets) and see Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in royal robes. Because Banquo speaks to Macbeth, the speech has a personal tone, as though Banquo is asking his old friend if he hasn't been pretty stupid.Įnter Macbeth, as king, Lady Macbeth, as queen, Lennox, Ross, Lords, Ladies, and Attendants: He asks Macbeth why he shouldn't think that the witches will be "my oracles as well, / And set me up in hope?" (3.1.10). Macbeth persuades two Murderers that Banquo is their enemy, then sends them out to kill Banquo and his son, Fleance.Īt the opening of a short soliloquy, Banquo speaks to Macbeth - even though Macbeth isn't there - saying, "Thou hast it now: king, Cawdor, Glamis, all, / As the weird women promised, and, I fear, / Thou play'dst most foully for't" (3.1.1-3) Then he reminds the absent Macbeth that the witches also predicted that he, not Macbeth, would be the father of the future kings of Scotland. Macbeth soliloquizes about his resentment and fear of Banquo. Macbeth questions Banquo about the ride he's taking and insists he return in time for a banquet that night. Enter Macbeth, as king, Lady Macbeth, as queen, Lennox, Ross, Lords, Ladies, and Attendants.≻anquo expresses his suspicion of Macbeth, and wonders if the witches' predictions will come true for himself, as they have for Macbeth.
Detailed Summary of Macbeth, Act 3, Scene 1
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