Act III of Macbeth opens with Banquo. He paces a
corridor, wondering out loud about the prophecies. He
notes that all of the prophecies for Macbeth have come
true; however, he wonders if Macbeth "played foully" or
cheated his way into the kingship. Banquo also wonders
if the prophecy about his own sons being kings might
become true, putting this at the forefront of this act as a
focal point.
Banquo doesn't ponder long, however, because soon
enough Macbeth himself enters onto scene. Macbeth
invites Banquo to a feast that he is holding that evening.
Banquo accepts, telling Macbeth that he and his son are
going for a leisurely horse ride that afternoon. Macbeth
also mentions that they should address the issue of
Malcolm and Donalbain because he believes they may be
plotting against him.
Soon, Macbeth is left alone in the hallway. A servant
approaches to tell him that some men have come to see
him. Macbeth sends the servant away to fetch the men
and, alone on stage once again, he launches into a
soliloquy. He ponders the issue of Banquo, noting that
he is the only person in Scotland whom he fears because
of his strength, wisdom, and good character. Macbeth
also wonders if he has killed Duncan only to have
Banquo's sons become kings instead of his own
descendants; the thought infuriates and frustrates him.
The men Macbeth summoned appear on the scene, and
it is revealed that they are actually murderers whom
Macbeth has hired to kill Banquo. Macbeth reminds the
murderers of the plan, insisting they make sure to kill
Fleance as well. He also reminds the murderers of their
reason for killing Banquo- that on some past occasion,
