ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -One man is absent: Macbeth’s old friend, Banquo. The reason why he is absent is very simple-Macbeth has just had him murdered. Where Banquo should be sitting at the banquet, Macbeth sees instead his ghost. Imagine his horror and his reaction, and remember that no one else at the feast can see this ghost.

Detailed explanation-2: -Macbeth is asking Lady Macbeth why she thinks Macduff didn’t show up to his banquet. Macduff refused to attend because he knows that Macbeth is guilty of murdering Duncan.

Detailed explanation-3: -Though he accepts the explanation that Duncan’s attendants committed the murder at his sons’ instigation, he refuses to attend Macbeth’s coronation. Having refused to attend a feast of Macbeth’s, he is cast into disgrace, and travels to England to beg King Edward to help Malcolm overthrow the usurper.

Detailed explanation-4: -Macbeth and Lady Macbeth ask Banquo to attend the feast they will host that night. Banquo accepts their invitation and says that he plans to go for a ride on his horse for the afternoon.