Summary
1. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth organise a banquet, inviting all the
thanes and noblemen
2. Because of Macbeth’s fear of and belief in the Witches’ predictions
(they tell Banquo that his children will become kings) he
orchestrates the murder of Banquo at the hand of murderers. The
first murderer appears and Macbeth takes him to one side.
Macbeth is told that Banquo has been killed but that his son
Fleance has escaped.
3. Macbeth is shaken by this news however he returns to the
banquet; Lady Macbeth notices that he is not himself and tells him
to compose himself.
4. He comments upon Banquo’s absence and raises a glass in praise
of Banquo at which point the ghost of Banquo enters and sits in
Macbeth’s seat.
5. Lady Macbeth realises what is happening as she sees Macbeth
staring at the empty chair.
6. Banquo’s ghost disappears and Macbeth regains his composure.
Once more he tries to appear in good spirits and carries on with
his praises of Banquo. The ghost of Banquo however reappears
and Macbeth is noticeably disturbed.
7. Lady Macbeth quickly dismisses the guests explaining that her
husband is often overcome with such an illness of the mind. Note
the quick tact with which Lady Macbeth comes to her husband's
help. Laying the blame of Macbeth's sudden emotion and wild
words upon a disorder which has afflicted him from his youth, she
induces the nobles, who are rising excitedly from their places, to
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