This scene is set in Forres, before the crowning of Macbeth as King. It starts with Banquo thinking about the fact that all of Macbeths prophesy’s have come true, and that maybe his will to.Then Macbeth, Lady Macbeth and officials enter, inviting Banquo to a party later on, but Banquo responds that he is still loyal to King Duncan and is attending his funeral soon. Macbeth then asks lots of suspicious questions about Banquos journey, when, how long, is Fleance going, and then hopes it goes well. Everyone leaves and Macbeth orders the servant to bring 2 murderers to see him. While they are coming he makes a big soliloquy about his Kingship, and how it has become hollow and fruitless because Banquos descendants are foretold to continue the royal family, and how his honor and pride has been destroyed, only to put Banquos family on the throne. It is easy to tell by now that his guilt is eating him up, and now he is even turning against his friends. He orders the 2 murderers to kill Banquo and Fleance that night, by using their anger at Banquo to motivate them. He also claims he could do it himself (being King), because lots of his friend would be very unhappy. The 2 murderers agree. Macbeth finishs by saying “It is concluded. Banquo, thy soul’s flight, If it find heaven, must find it out to-night.” This scene is very significant as it shows how his sanity and honor have deteriorated so much he is now paranoid about everything, and is even hiring assassins to kill his friend, who he knows is smart enough to possibly reveal his deeds and is his only threat to the throne….
This scene also ivolves dramatic irony because now the audience knows Banquo and Fleance are going to be assassinated, but will have to wait to find out if it happens, and the consequences.
