The Tragedy of
Macbeth
Act III
William Shakespeare
ANCHOR TEXT | DRAMANOTESREVIEW AND ANTICIPATE
In Act II, Lady Macbeth drugs Duncan’s guards, enabling Macbeth
to kill the king. Macbeth subsequently kills the guards so that he
can more easily blame them for the king’s murder. Duncan’s sons,
Malcolm and Donalbain, flee, afraid that they will be assassinated by
a kinsman eager to claim the throne. Because they run away, some
suspect them of killing their father. As the act closes, it seems that
Macbeth will be named king. Act III begins with Macbeth on the
throne—as the witches had predicted. All seems to be going well for
him, but he feels threatened by Banquo.Scene i • Forres. The palace.
[Enter Banquo.]
Banquo. Thou hast it now: King, Cawdor, Glamis, all,
As the weird women promised, and I fear
Thou play’dst most foully for ’t. Yet it was said
It should not stand^1 in thy posterity,
But that myself should be the root and father
Of many kings. If there come truth from them—
As upon thee, Macbeth, their speeches shine—
Why, by the verities on thee made good,
May they not be my oracles as well
And set me up in hope? But hush, no more!foully (FOWL lee) adv. wrongly; in
an evil way
5 1. stand continue.10Copyright © SAVVAS Learning Company LLC. All Rights Reserved.The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act III 297LIT22_SE12_U03_A3_WC.indd 297PERSONALIZE FOR LEARNING 23/03/21 12:18 PM
English Language Support
Scaffolding the Text As you begin Act III, Scene i, give students
a brief synopsis of Act III to help them better understand what is
happening. Before they read each scene, explain what will happen,
and then have students restate your explanation in their own words.
Then, as students read, point out specific lines that advance the plot
so they realize how the story is unfolding. Students may want to
keep a list of key plot events to support their understanding. Discuss
how the dialogue relates to the overall plot of Act III as you explained
it to them. Encourage students to find specific evidence in the text.
EXPANDING/BRIDGING
Whole-Class Learning 297LIT21_TE12_U03_A3_WC.indd 297 14/04/21 1:56 PM