Why does Macbeth want Banquo and
Fleance dead?
Macbeth knows they suspect him of foul play, and he is furious that he has done all of the work
(so-to-speak) of becoming king, and Banquo's descendants will benefit from it.
What is Macbeth's plan for killing Banquo
and Fleance? Does it work?
Macbeth gets two convicted murderers to wait along the road to ambush them. The murderers
kill Banquo, but Fleance escapes.
Macbeth says, "The worm that's fled Hath
nature that in time will venom breed, No teeth for the present." What does that mean?
Macbeth says this after he finds out that Fleance has escaped. Fleance will be a problem in the
future, since he will have children who will become kings, but for now Macbeth can let him go and deal with other things because Fleance is of no immediate threat to him personally.
How does Lady Macbeth cover for Macbeth
at the banquet? What excuses does she give for his wild talk?
She tells the guests that he often has these fits, which those who know him well have learned to
ignore them. When Macbeth really gets out of hand, she sends the guests home.
Macbeth says, "I am in blood Stepped in
so far that should I wade no more, Returning were as tedious as go o'er." What does he mean?
There is no going back now. Macbeth is committed to this course of action, whatever
terrible things he may yet have to do.
What does Hecate want the witches to do?
Hecate wants the witches to give Macbeth some visions that will give him false impressions, false
hopes for his personal safety and the safety of his rule, so he will continue on his path of destruction.