Banquo:

Thou hast it now: King, Cawdor, Glamis, all,
As the weird women promised, and I fear
Thou play’dst most foully for’t: yet it was said
It should not stand in thy posterity...

(lll.i.1–4)

Pictured: Man is growing more and more suspicious of something

This is how Act 3, Scene 1 opens- with Banquo beginning to show suspicion of Macbeth’s sudden rise to power. Banquo is reflecting on how the witches predictions became true- Macbeth became Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor and now King just as the witches said, this ties into the theme of Fate, because everything the witches predicted about Macbeth are becoming true. However, Banquo is starting to suspect that Macbeth achieved the witches predictions of becoming King through “foul play” or dark means and it wasn’t just by chance alone. This also ties in to another theme Ambition. This theme is shown through the suspicion of “foul play,” this shows that Banquo suspects Macbeth's ambition and desire for power has maybe led him to commit insane acts. The man in the GIF is growing more and more suspicious of something which resembles Banquo growing suspicion of Macbeth and how he rose to power.

Macbeth:

Our fears in Banquo stick deep, and in his royalty of nature

Reigns that which would be feared. There is none but he

Whose being I do fear; and under him

My genius is rebuked.

(lll.i.48-56.)

Pictured: A chess piece (King) knocked over

These lines show that Macbeth feels deep fear surrounding Banquo and the prophecy that Banquo’s descendants will become kings, while Macbeth’s own line will not inherit the throne. This makes him even more afraid of Banquo. He mentions Banquo’s noble character and wisdom, which he sees as dangerous qualities that could threaten his rule. This fear sparks a violent urge in Macbeth to eliminate Banquo and protect his power. The lines connect to the theme of ambition, showing how Macbeth’s ambition drives him to kill even those who are close to him. This explains why I chose the GIF above, it’s like how Macbeth is being scared of being overthrown just like the king chess piece in the GIF.

And you all know, security

Is mortals’ chiefest enemy.

(lll.iiiii.32-33)

Pictured: A man smiling and leaning back like he accomplished something or is feeling proud.

In this line, Hecate is saying that when humans feel too secure or invincible and are overly confident in themselves, they are more likely to make mistakes because they let their guard down and fall astray from what they actually need to do, which usually leads to their downfall. She is kind of telling what will happen to Macbeth because he murders even his closest friends to feel secure and he is overconfident in the witches' prophecies which leads to his downfall. This ties into the themes of ambition, fate vs. free will, and natural vs. unnatural. Macbeth feels overly confident in his actions and the witches’ prophecies, thinking that it will make him untouchable, which shows us how his ambition drives him to take extreme actions. He also believes that his fate is already sealed by the witches just like the first predictions they told him, and he lets their predictions guide him and this limits his free will. Because Macbeth tries to secure his future by controlling everything, this only disrupts the natural order and he does things that are so unnatural and violent to maintain his power which further pushes him toward his destruction. Hence the guy in the GIF looking sure of himself — just like Macbeth, he is confident on the outside, but his arrogance is leading him down a dangerous path.

Sit, worthy friends: my lord is often thus, And hath been from his youth: pray you, keep seat;

The fit is momentary; upon a thought

He will again be well.

(lll.iiii.53-56)

Pictured: A dragon explaining and pointing to someone or something

These lines were said by Lady Macbeth to the guests during the banquet to cover for Macbeth's strange behavior by trying to make it seem like it's a normal thing for him. This behavior of Lady Macbeth ties into the theme of manhood because she stepped in to manage the situation with authority and calmness, traits traditionally associated with masculinity. She takes charge of the situation, stays composed, and covers for Macbeth. This also ties into the theme of ambition; she not only stepped in to cover for Macbeth but also to make sure that Macbeth doesn't mess up and ruin everything they worked for. She knows that a slight slip from Macbeth's unstable condition could threaten their power. The dragon in the GIF is pointing at something and explaining just like Lady Macbeth was most likely pointing at Macbeth, trying to explain his strange behavior.

Things had begun make strong themselves by ill.

(lll.ii.55)

Pictured: bloody hands.

Macbeth is saying that committing evil actions leads to more evil actions. Macbeth is going through this after murdering Duncan. He even kills his own best friend, Banquo, because he's afraid that Banquo’s descendants will take the throne. This shows how his ambition has grown stronger, pushing him to commit more and more violent acts to protect and secure his throne, hence why i think this line connects to the theme of violence and ambition. In the beginning, killing Duncan seemed like the only way to become king, but as soon as Macbeth became king, he feels like he has to keep using violence to hold on to it. The more he does, the more violence he feels is necessary to maintain his control. This explains why i chose the GIF, it symbolizes the growing blood Macbeth is getting on his hands because of the things he is committing.

And make our faces bizarre to our hearts,

Disguising what they are.

(lll.ii.34-35)

Pictured: A woman’s fake smile drops.

Macbeth is saying they need to be two-faced, to conceal their emotions and intentions behind a mask of innocence while secretly planning the murder of Banquo. This connects to the theme of appearance vs. reality, as both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth continue to deceive others through their words and actions. It also ties into the theme of manhood, because Macbeth says something similar to what Lady Macbeth said in Act 1. This shows that Macbeth is finally taking the lead in their relationship and is becoming more courageous in what he says. He is now taking control, whereas earlier it was Lady Macbeth who was more likely to speak in this manipulative, controlling way. I used the GIF above because it connects to Macbeths lines, hence the woman's fake smile dropping showing how Macbeth and Lady Macbeth hide their crimes behind false appearance.

Things have been strangely borne.

(lll.iiiiii.3)

Pictured: A man looking around in concern or suspicion.

This line was said by Lennox with sarcasm clearly evident, and this shows us that Lennox is starting to become suspicious of Macbeth. He is starting to suspect that Macbeth plays a role in the recent murders. This could tie into the theme of appearance vs. reality because Lennox hides his beliefs and suspicion about Macbeth and just gives others a hint through sarcasm. This is why I chose the GIF above for this line, because the guy in the GIF is looking around in suspicion just like Lennox was probably acting when thinking about the recent murders that happened and how they could relate to what Macbeth did to the guards.

Nought’s had, all’s spent,
Where our desire is got without content.
’Tis safer to be that which we destroy,
Than by destruction dwell in doubtful joy.

(lll.ii.4-7)

Pictured: A man looking sad like he's questioning his life decisions.

Lady Macbeth is thinking about the emptiness she feels, although she became what she wanted—queen. She even mentions how peaceful Duncan must have felt, and she thinks that being dead like Duncan is better because at least she wouldn't have feelings of guilt she has now. This connects to the theme of violence because she thinks back on all of the crimes they committed and how they can't be undone, the crimes they committed brought nothing but worry, anxiety, and guilt. This also connects to the GIF above because now Lady Macbeth is questioning the actions and decisions they made, just like how the guy in the GIF looks like he's contemplating his life decisions.