summary of how the key themes in Act 3 of Macbeth

1. Paranoia and Fear

Macbeth is terrified that Banquo’s heirs will take the throne from him.
His fear drives him to plot further murders to secure his power.
This paranoia isolates him and fuels his violent actions.

2. Ambition

Macbeth’s ambition grows beyond becoming king; he now wants to destroy any threats.
Lady Macbeth is less involved as Macbeth pursues his goals alone.
His ambition blinds him to reason and morality.

3. Guilt and Madness

Macbeth is haunted by Banquo’s ghost, showing his guilty conscience.
His fear and guilt cause him to act irrationally in front of guests.
Lady Macbeth tries to hide his mental breakdown but can’t fully control him.

4. Appearance vs Reality

Macbeth pretends to be a gracious host but is inwardly disturbed and violent.
Lady Macbeth covers for Macbeth’s strange behavior to keep up appearances.
The banquet scene reveals how false outward appearances hide dark truths.

5. Fate and Free Will

Macbeth struggles with the witches’ prophecy and tries to change his fate by murder.
Banquo’s survival and Fleance’s escape suggest fate cannot be fully controlled.
The tension between destiny and human actions deepens.

6. Supernatural Influence

The witches and Hecate plot to deceive Macbeth further, showing evil forces at work.
Their magic fuels Macbeth’s overconfidence and eventual downfall.
Supernatural powers manipulate human choices and events.

7. Political Instability

Nobles like Lennox begin to suspect Macbeth’s crimes.
Macduff’s flight to England signals growing resistance to Macbeth’s rule.
The kingdom is increasingly unstable and divided.