The Ambush: Banquo's Murder and Fleance's Escape
Act III, Scene III of Macbeth takes place in a park near the royal palace at Forres, where three murderers lie in wait for Banquo and his son Fleance. The scene opens with a moment of uncertainty: the first two assassins, whom Macbeth hired in Act III, Scene I, are surprised by the arrival of a mysterious Third Murderer who claims Macbeth sent him. The Second Murderer vouches for the newcomer, noting that his knowledge of their instructions proves his legitimacy.
As twilight fades, the First Murderer observes that "the west yet glimmers with some streaks of day," establishing the scene's atmosphere of encroaching darkness. This imagery mirrors the moral darkness that has overtaken Scotland under Macbeth's rule. The murderers hear horses approaching, and Banquo calls out for a lightΒa request laden with dramatic irony, as the light he carries will soon be extinguished along with his life.
The Third Murderer identifies Banquo and Fleance as they approach on foot, having dismounted about a mile from the palace gate, as was customary. When the Second Murderer cries "A light, a light!" Banquo and Fleance enter carrying a torch. The attack comes swiftly. In response to Banquo's innocent remark that "It will be rain tonight," the First Murderer delivers the chilling reply, "Let it come down," and they strike.
In his final moments, Banquo cries out, "O, treachery! Fly, good Fleance, fly, fly, fly! Thou mayst revenge." His dying words serve a dual purpose: they save his son's life and plant the seed of future retribution. During the chaos of the attack, the torch is knocked out, plunging the scene into total darkness. Fleance escapes into the night.
The murderers are left with what the Second Murderer calls the "best half of our affair" undone. Though they have killed Banquo, Fleance's escape represents a critical failure. The witches prophesied that Banquo's descendants, not Macbeth's, would inherit the throne. By allowing Fleance to survive, the assassins have ensured that the prophecy remains intact. This moment marks a turning point in the play: Macbeth's desperate attempt to control fate has failed, and his paranoia will only deepen in the scenes that follow.