Question

Why are these lines from Act III important in the plot of the play? (25 points)

Macbeth to Lady Macbeth

the time has been,
That, when the brains were out, the man would die,
And there an end; but now they rise again,
With twenty mortal murders on their crowns,
And push us from our stools: this is more strange
Than such a murder is

Answer 1

The lines presented from Act III are vital to the plot of the play because they indicate the fear and paranoia Macbeth felt after the death of Banquo. For example, Macbeth says "when the brains were out, the man would die, And there an end; but now they rise again," expressing his shock at Banquo rising from the dead. He goes on to exclaim "With twenty mortal murders on their crowns, And push us from our stools: this is more strange," interpreting his resurrection as him claiming his revenge and haunting his actions. This dialogue indicates Macbeth's madness and guilt had grown out of control, making Banquo's ghost appearance the pinnacle of the plot and character development of the play for Macbeth.

Step-by-step explanation:

Took the test at one point, felt I could offer input.