How Effective Is Act Three, Scene Four Of Shakespeare's Macbeth

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The usual degree of ceremonial pomp occurs as is especially evident in the opening lines of the scene. This scene is abruptly interrupted by one of Macbeth's own assassins, Macbeth must think quickly and provide an excuse, that he may attend to this new arrival. He at once invites his esteemed colleagues to be seated and remain patient then ‘We'll drink a measure.' This choice of words are used to ease the tension that the normally informal Macbeth is obviously feeling at the moment, with the prospect of Banquo's death and his lack of experience as a leader away from the battlefield. He cunningly slips towards the door, we know this because the other people in attendance don't notice what he is doing or who is at the door.
Macbeth's unease leads him to comment ‘There's blood upon thy face,' but relaxes once he is informed that it is the blood of Banquo. The murderer tells him that Banquo's throat is cut and he did it himself. Such is Macbeth's delight that he commends the ...

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and are ready to begin. It is Lady Macbeth who resumes the ceremony, taking the lead and diverting attention from the visibly shaken Macbeth. It is here that the strange unfolding and intriguing events begin in earnest as Lennox requests that the King sits down so that they can begin the meal. It is here that the name of Banquo is mentioned publically for the first time, Macbeth expresses his dismay at Banquo's absence but insists that the evenings events should proceed unabated. Macbeth proceeds to look for an empty chair but cannot find one until an empty seat is shown to him by Ross. Unfortunately this seat appears, to Macbeth, to be taken, but upon closer inspection it is revealed to ...

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