why does macbeth want banquo and fleance dead

'Then comes my fit again' (3.4.20) Macbeth complains, as though he feels a migraine coming on. But the murderer honestly reports that Fleance has escaped. Then tells the murderer that he will be the best cut-throat in the world if he can report that Fleance is dead, too. In reply, Macbeth makes a cruel joke, saying that it's better for the blood to be on the outside of the murderer than on the inside of Banquo: ''Tis better thee without than he within' (3.4.14). (Of course we can hear what they say, but Macbeth's guests can't.) First Murderer says that the blood on his face is Banquo's. Macbeth whispers with the murderer at the door. As he goes, he tells his guests that in a minute 'we'll drink a measure / The table round' (3.4.11-12). Not wanting anyone else to see the bloody man, Macbeth jumps up and hurries to the door. Just as Macbeth is taking his place among all of his loving subjects, he sees First Murderer come to the door with blood on his face. He will 'play the humble host' (3.4.4), showing how friendly and down-to-earth he is, even though he is now the king. Macbeth tells them that they know where they should sit, and welcomes everyone at once. Normally, each guest would receive an individual greeting and then be escorted to his seat, with the highest ranking person sitting closest to the king, and the next highest the next closest, etc. The 'degrees' of the guests are their social ranks. At first / And last the hearty welcome' (3.4.1-2). He welcomes everyone at once, saying, 'You know your own degrees sit down.

This hustle and bustle makes it seem like a good time is going to be had by all.

To prepare a banquet, servants would bring in tables, stools, dishes, cutlery, cups, food, and drink. The first stage direction, ' A banquet prepared ' (3.4.1, s.d.), is important.

Then he hints that he may have to shed more blood, and decides he will speak to the witches again.Įnter Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, Ross, Lennox, Lords, and Attendants: When his guests are gone, Macbeth tells his wife he's going to find out why Macduff didn't attend their banquet.

Exeunt all but Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.

The bloody Ghost of Banquo which only Macbeth can see appears among the guests.

Enter the Ghost of Banquo and sits in Macbeth's place.

Macbeth hears from First Murderer that Banquo is dead, but Fleance has escaped. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth welcome the guests to their royal banquet.

Enter Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, Ross, Lennox, Lords, and Attendants.

Detailed Summary of Macbeth, Act 3, Scene 4

Why does macbeth want banquo and fleance dead