Macbeth Third Murderer Essay

Third Murderer of Banquo Shakespeare does not reveal the identity of the third murderer of Banquo in the play Macbeth. As the third murderer arrives at the scene, to kill Banquo and Fleance, the murderer announces that they were sent by Macbeth. The First Murderer asks, “But who did bid thee join with us?” The Third Murderer answers, “Macbeth” (Shakespeare 3.3.1). The Second Murderer responds there is no reason for Macbeth to distrust them, since he told them exactly what to do (Holliday). The three murderers attack Banquo and kill him, but they allow Fleance, Banquo’s son, to escape. So, who is the third murderer who arrives on the scene just in time to participate in the murder of Banquo? One possible character that could be the third murderer is Macbeth, himself. At this point in the play, Macbeth is very paranoid and wants to see Banquo dead. Killing Banquo himself is the only way Macbeth can confirm …show more content…
She asks, “Is Banquo gone from court?” (Shakespeare 3.2.1), and she expresses dissatisfaction by saying, “Naught’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” (Shakespeare 3.2.5). Lady Macbeth also provides strength for Macbeth when he shows doubt about what needs to be done (Paton). She shows her eagerness and willingness to help in Banquo’s murder when she asks “What’s to be done?” (Shakespeare 3.2.44). She knows it is necessary to kill Banquo and Fleance and expresses this when she says, “But in them nature’s copy’s not etern” (Shakespeare 3.2.38). Another action that points to Lady Macbeth as being the third murderer is her urging Macbeth to get some sleep so that he could be bright and jovial again (Paton). She knows killing Banquo and Fleance will take a toll on Macbeth and will not help him to heal. By Lady Macbeth being the third murderer, she could help take some of the burden off her husband