3. how do the murderers know that Banquo is approaching?

Ans. The murderers know that Banquo is approaching because they hear him coming on horseback. The third murderer
hears the sound of horses and alerts the others. Soon after they see Banquo and Fleance approaching with a torch which
confirms their suspicion. The second murderer recognises Banquo and confirms his identity to the others. Moreover, they
are confident that it is Banquo as the remaining invitees are already at the banquet. It is also suggested that the murderers
may have been lying in wait for Banquo and his son and knew when and where they would be passing. It is even possible
that Macbeth himself had detailed them on this count.
4. How does Banquo respond when the murderers attack him?
Ans. when the murderers attacked Banquo, he exclaims ‘o treachery’ and urges his son Fleance to flee. He realises
instantly that he has been a victim to betrayal by the very people he thought to be his friends and allies and expresses his
disappointment over such an abominable act of deceit. Despite being outnumbered, Banquo puts up a fight befitting his
courage and strength of character. In his dying moments, Banquo curses his murderers calling one of them a ‘slave’ as
they are mindlessly following the orders of one villain that he certainly presumes to be Macbeth. Thus, Banquo’s response
to the attack highlights his loyalty and bravery for even in the face of sure death he remains true to his values and does not
walk a path of compromise. His last words, ‘thou mayest revenge suggests that he hopes his son will avenge his death and
bring to justice all those who betrayed him.
5. What happens to Fleance during the attack and what does it symbolise?
Ans. Fleance is with his father when they are attacked by the three murderers. As the assasains set upon Banquo, he urges
Fleance to flee and avenge the betrayal that his father had to suffer. Fleance escapes the attack but his father is killed. His
escape is significant because it leaves open the possibility of Banquo’s lineage becoming a threat to Macbeth’s reign in the
future. Fleance’s survival makes him a symbol of hope and potential resistance to Macbeth’s tyranny which lends some
tension to the plot. Fleance’s escape also reinforces the theme of fate and the inevitability of prophecy. The witches had
prophesised that Banquo’s descendants would become kings and by allowing Fleance to escape Shakespeare suggests that
this prophecy might become true. Despite Macbeth’s desperate efforts to secure his position as king, the witches’
prophecy may ultimately come to pass suggesting that fate cannot be avoided after all.
6. Why is the second murderer upset about the outcome of the attack?
Ans. the second murderer is visibly disappointed with the outcome of the attack saying that, ‘we have lost best half of our
affair’. This reflection is the result of the fact that though they succeeded in killing Banquo, Fleance managed to escape.
The second murderer believes that Fleance is the more important target as he is the one who could potentially threaten
Macbeth’s reign as a king. So, without eliminating Fleance, Macbeth’s hold on power remains uncertain. The second
murderer’s concern is not without basis. Earlier in the play, the witches prophesised that Banquo’s descendants would
become king and Macbeth is determined to prevent this from happening. As Banquo’s son, Fleance is the most direct
threat to Macbeth’s claim to the throne. His survival means that there is still a possibility that the witches’ prophecy could
come true.