“But who did bid thee join with us?”

The First Murderer asks the Third Murderer who ordered him to join them. This suggests that the first two hired assassins were not expecting a third person, creating suspicion.

Analysis

• The First Murderer’s question implies uncertainty and potential distrust.
• It shows that Macbeth has secretly sent an extra man, possibly because he does not fully trust the original two murderers.
• The sudden arrival of the third figure heightens tension and foreshadows betrayal.

Language Techniques

• Interrogation: The direct question creates a tone of doubt and suspicion.
• Dramatic Irony: The audience knows that Macbeth is growing more paranoid, but the assassins do not yet realize the full extent of it.
• Foreshadowing: The unexpected presence of the Third Murderer hints at Macbeth’s growing need for control and his potential distrust of everyone around him.

Themes

• Paranoia: Macbeth’s increasing fear drives him to interfere even in tasks he has already set in motion.
• Betrayal: The question suggests that even among allies, there is no trust.
• Power and Control: Macbeth’s decision to send an extra man highlights his obsession with ensuring things go his way.

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“Macbeth.”

The Third Murderer directly answers, revealing that Macbeth himself ordered his presence. This is significant because it confirms that Macbeth is personally managing the situation, rather than leaving it entirely in the hands of his hired killers.

Analysis

• The single-word response makes Macbeth’s involvement clear and non-negotiable.
• The brevity suggests confidence—he does not need to explain himself.
• It reinforces the idea that Macbeth does not trust his own allies.

Language Techniques

• Minimalism: The short, abrupt response creates an air of mystery and finality.
• Emphasis: Placing Macbeth’s name alone makes his power over the situation feel absolute.

Themes

• Power and Authority: Macbeth’s growing control over every detail of his plots.
• Paranoia and Distrust: Even the assassins cannot act independently without Macbeth watching them.

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**”He needs not our mistrust, since he delivers

Our offices and what we have to do
To the direction just.”**
The Second Murderer reassures the First Murderer that there is no need to distrust the Third Murderer. He argues that since the Third Murderer knows exactly what the plan is, he must be working for Macbeth, just like they are.

Analysis

• The line reveals the Second Murderer’s logic: if someone knows their mission, then they must be on their side.
• This is an example of blind loyalty, as the Second Murderer assumes that Macbeth would never deceive them.
• This moment also subtly reflects the way people justify their actions without questioning authority.

Language Techniques

• Irony: The Second Murderer dismisses the possibility of betrayal, but the audience knows Macbeth is not above deception.
• Formal Language: “Delivers our offices” is a more elegant way of saying “knows our jobs,” suggesting an attempt to sound official.
• Repetition of ‘our’: This emphasizes unity, but also an assumption of loyalty that may not be true.

**”Then stand with us.—

The west yet glimmers with some streaks of day.
Now spurs the lated traveler apace
To gain the timely inn, and near approaches
The subject of our watch.”**

Explanation

• The First Murderer tells the Third Murderer to stand with them, accepting him into the group.
• He observes that the sun is setting, with the last light fading in the west.
• He describes how a traveler, running late, hurries toward an inn before night fully arrives.
• He then reveals that Banquo (the “subject of our watch”) is approaching.

Analysis

• The imagery of fading light symbolizes the transition from good to evil, day to night, and life to death.
• The “lated traveler” could metaphorically represent Banquo, unknowingly moving toward his doom.
• The phrase “the subject of our watch” sounds formal and calculated, emphasizing their role as executioners.

Language Devices & Techniques

• Imagery: The fading light represents Banquo’s fading life.
• Symbolism: Nightfall signifies danger, darkness, and evil.
• Foreshadowing: The mention of a traveler unknowingly heading toward a destination reflects Banquo’s fate.

Themes

• Fate vs. Free Will: Banquo is unaware of his approaching death, reinforcing the idea of fate controlling events.
• Evil and Darkness: The murder is planned to happen at night, reinforcing the theme of darkness representing evil.

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“Hark, I hear horses.”

Explanation

• The Third Murderer hears horses approaching, signaling Banquo’s arrival.

Analysis

• This heightens tension, as the moment of the attack is imminent.
• The quick, simple line conveys urgency and alertness.

Language Devices & Techniques

• Dramatic Irony: The audience knows Banquo is coming to his death, while he remains unaware.
• Short Syntax: The brief line makes the moment feel abrupt and suspenseful.

Themes

• Fate and Inevitability: The arrival of Banquo is unstoppable.
• Tension and Suspense: The scene builds towards violence.

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“Give us a light there, ho!” (Banquo, offstage)

Explanation

• Banquo, still unseen, calls for a light, unaware that he is walking into a trap.

Analysis

• Banquo’s demand for light contrasts with the murderers’ desire for darkness.
• This symbolizes how Banquo represents goodness and clarity, while the murderers represent deception and evil.

Language Devices & Techniques

• Contrast: Banquo’s light vs. the murderers’ darkness.
• Irony: Banquo asks for light but is about to be killed in darkness.

Themes

• Light vs. Darkness: A key theme in the play, with light representing truth and darkness representing corruption.
• Betrayal: Banquo is unaware that Macbeth has plotted against him.

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**”Then ’tis he. The rest

That are within the note of expectation
Already are i’ th’ court.”**

Explanation

• The Second Murderer confirms that Banquo has arrived.
• He adds that everyone else who was expected is already inside the royal court.

Analysis

• The murderers recognize Banquo as their target, confirming they are ready to act.
• They ensure that no one else is around, making it clear that this is a carefully planned ambush.

Language Devices & Techniques

• Formal tone: “The note of expectation” sounds precise and methodical, emphasizing their calculated approach.
• Irony: The murderers act as if this is a formal duty, treating an assassination like a scheduled task.

Themes

• Manipulation: Macbeth has set the murderers up to believe this is necessary.
• Power and Control: The assassins execute Macbeth’s will without question.

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“His horses go about.”

Explanation

• The First Murderer notes that Banquo’s horses have taken a different route, meaning he will be walking the rest of the way.

Analysis

• This confirms that Banquo is now on foot, making him an easier target.
• It also highlights how the environment itself works against Banquo—he is unknowingly making himself vulnerable.

Themes

• Fate and Destiny: Banquo’s decision to walk plays into the murderers’ hands.
• Deception: Banquo does not realize he is walking into danger.

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**”Almost a mile; but he does usually

(So all men do) from hence to th’ palace gate
Make it their walk.”**

Explanation

• The Third Murderer notes that Banquo typically walks this route, implying that they were aware of his habits and used this knowledge to set the ambush.

Analysis

• Shows the murder was carefully planned.
• Implies that Macbeth has been spying on Banquo, deepening his paranoia.

Themes

• Paranoia: Macbeth’s fear of Banquo led him to orchestrate such a precise attack.
• Fate vs. Free Will: Banquo’s normal habits contribute to his downfall.

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“A light, a light!” (Second Murderer)

Explanation

• The Second Murderer sees Banquo and Fleance approaching with a torch.

Analysis

• The urgency in this exclamation marks the final moment before the attack.
• The torchlight symbolizes Banquo’s presence in the darkness, but also foreshadows that it will soon be extinguished—just like his life.

Themes

• Light vs. Darkness: The light is symbolic of Banquo’s goodness, which is about to be snuffed out.
• Death and Fate: Banquo’s time is running out.

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“Let it come down!” (First Murderer attacks)

Explanation

• This signals the start of the attack. The phrase metaphorically refers to rain but actually means the attack should begin.

Analysis

• Suggests violence descending suddenly, like a storm.
• Demonstrates brutality—no hesitation, just action.

Themes

• Violence and Murder: A sudden, brutal execution.
• Power and Ambition: Macbeth’s influence reaches even this moment.

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**”O treachery! Fly, good Fleance, fly, fly, fly!

Thou mayst revenge—O slave!”** (Banquo’s dying words)

Explanation

• Banquo realizes he has been betrayed and urges his son to flee.
• He hints that Fleance may take revenge one day.
• The word “slave” is possibly directed at his murderer, showing his defiance even in death.

Analysis

• Banquo’s concern is for Fleance, showing his fatherly love.
• His final words set up a possible future conflict—Fleance surviving means Macbeth’s fear is not entirely defeated.

Themes

• Betrayal: Banquo trusted Macbeth but was deceived.
• Fate vs. Free Will: Banquo hopes Fleance will shape his own destiny.

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“There’s but one down. The son is fled.”

Explanation

• The Third Murderer confirms that only Banquo was killed, while Fleance escaped.

Analysis

• This failure means that Macbeth’s fear still lingers—Fleance is a future threat.
• The murderers are unsure how Macbeth will react.

Themes

Fate and Prophecy: Fleance surviving keeps the witches’ prophecy alive.

Uncertainty and Paranoia: The incomplete job leaves room for further fear.