Scene summary
At midnight, in the inner courtyard of Inverness, Banquo and his son Fleance, who carries a torch, are without sleep. Banquo, who feels a weight of tiredness but does not want to sleep, asks that the powers of heaven drive away the evil thoughts that Nature lets in during sleep. Macbeth enters, and Banquo says the king has retired very pleased, after giving gifts, and that he himself dreamed of the three Weird Sisters. Macbeth replies that he does not even think of them, suggests they talk later, and promises honor to Banquo if he follows his counsel. Banquo accepts, as long as he does not lose his honor, keeps his heart free of guilt, and remains loyal to the king. Left alone, Macbeth sends the servant to ask his wife to ring the bell when his drink is ready. He then sees a dagger in the air, with the handle toward his hand, doubts whether it is only the creation of a feverish brain, and sees it covered in drops of blood. He thinks of the night, of witchcraft, and of the murderer who approaches with the stealthy steps of the rapist Tarquin. When the bell sounds, he heads for Duncan’s chamber.
Analysis
Macbeth tells Banquo that he does not think of the Witches, which contradicts what he felt on the heath, and proposes to talk later, offering honor to anyone who follows his counsel. Banquo sets conditions: keep honor, a heart without guilt, loyalty. Alone, Macbeth sees the dagger and says it signals the path he was already taking. What moves him is a decision already made.
Macbeth: Is this a dagger which I see before me, / The handle toward my hand? [...] I see thee still, / And on thy blade and dudgeon gouts of blood, / Which was not so before.
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