ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -New to the ways of crime. In The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act 3, Macbeth’s guilt causing him to imagine he sees Banquo’s ghost at the banquet is an example of what? Internal conflict.

Detailed explanation-2: -It ironically foreshadows the future: Banquo’s ghost occupies Macbeth’s seat, as his descendants will occupy his throne – and ‘push us from our stools’ (line 82). It marks the beginning of the decline of Macbeth’s rule and power: he cannot keep calm on this important occasion of state, and almost reveals his guilt.

Detailed explanation-3: -During the banquet, Macbeth sees the ghost of Banquo sitting at his place at the table. He is horrified. Lady Macbeth reassures the guests that it is a momentary fit and tells Macbeth to stop. The ghost disappears and Macbeth is calm.

Detailed explanation-4: -Macbeth’s fear of Banquo’s suspicions about his involvement in Duncan’s murder, his desire to remove someone who was present when the witches’ prophesies were made, and his attempt to prevent the fulfillment of the prophecy about Banquo’s descendants becoming kings.

Detailed explanation-5: -Macbeth speaks this line when Banquo’s ghost appears to him at the banquet. Macbeth’s vision of the ghost reveals his guilt over ordering the murder of Banquo and his young son. His sense of guilt is so powerful that he loses his sense of reality and cannot be sure whether he is having a vision or not.