The Royal Palace at Forres

The Royal Palace at Forres

Banquo, alone on stage, declares that everything the witches

predicted for Macbeth have come true, and that might mean what they

predicted about Banquo fathering a line of kings will also come true.

The newly crowned Macbeth and his train enter. In front of the others,

Macbeth requests Banquo’s company at this evening’s feast. In passing,

he confirms that Banquo will go horseback riding with his son in the

afternoon. Macbeth bids everyone depart, except a servant to fetch the

two murderers he has hired to kill Banquo.

Macbeth recounts the events of the last few days. Given the

truth of the witches’ predictions on his behalf, it is likely that

Banquo’s children shall be kings. If that is true, Macbeth believes

that he has sold his soul to the devil and suffered all this torment

for Banquo’s children, not for his because he will not have any sons

to succeed him. If he kills Banquo and his only son, then he will

defeat fate.

The two murderers enter, and Macbeth argues why they should

kill Banquo and his son. Macbeth explains to them, as he did in their

first meeting, that Banquo is responsible for their misfortune and

poverty. Macbeth promises them that killing Banquo and his son will

make them men worthy to be in his company. Macbeth tells them that he

could easily murder Banquo himself were it not for the common friends

they shared; Macbeth must pretend to be sorrowful at Banquo’s death,

and that is why he needs the murderers’ assistance. He will provide

everything except any evidence that will trace the murders back to

him, but he demands that both the Banquo and son be slain.

Scene 3.2 – The palace

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Lady Macbeth encounters Macbeth appearing grim and pensive.

She tells him that the deed is done, and there is no need to think