Journal Entry: Macbeth Act 3

Act three of Macbeth starts off with Banquo's contemplating to himself. He thinks about the prophecies the witches have told them and how they are unfolding before him. He mentions how Macbeth becomes Thane of Cawdor and that he is now king. Banquo grows ever suspicious of Macbeth's path to kingship. Macbeth runs into Banquo and gains information about the schedule for that day and informs him of the banquet being held in the castle. Banquo tells Macbeth that he and his son, Fleance, were planning to go out on horseback. Macbeth dismisses him. Every since Macbeth committed the act of betrayal and rosed to power, he has been skeptical about the people around him. He knows that Banquo is a free thinker and soon he will be a threat to him. He then orders two murderers to go kill Banquo and Fleance. When Banquo is murdered, he orders Fleance to flee; This is the last time he is mentioned in the play. Before the banquet, Lady Macbeth is concerned with Macbeth's mental well-being. However, Macbeth is unwilling to tell her what he thinks. He describes his mind as being picked at by scorpions. These "scorpions" are the evil Macbeth has done throughout the play thus far. He hides his intents from his wife. At the banquet, Macbeth begins to act strange to his guest when he sees the ghost of Banquo. He scolds the ghost and it vanishes. Lady Macbeth tries to cover up the incident by mentioning that he is mentally ill. The ghost of Banquo then appears again and Macbeth acts unusual in front of the guest. Lady Macbeth orders the guest to leave. She fears that Macbeth will say something that will expose their dark secret. Meanwhile, Malcolm resided in England. Macduff goes back to inform Malcolm about his suspicions of Macbeth's rise to power. He plans on leading an army to Macbeth and de-throning him.