First Read: Comprehension Identify the choice that best answers the question. In The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act III, what is the cause of Macbeth's irrational behavior at the banquet? A a lack of sleep B. a sudden illness C. too much to drink D. his guilty conscience

## Step 1<br />In Act III of Shakespeare's "The Tragedy of Macbeth," Macbeth hosts a banquet for the Scottish nobles. During the banquet, Macbeth is haunted by the ghost of Banquo, whom he had murdered. This apparition causes Macbeth great distress and leads to his irrational behavior.<br />## Step 2<br />The ghost's presence is not visible to the other guests, but Macbeth is deeply affected by it. His reactions are not due to a lack of sleep, a sudden illness, or excessive drinking, but rather the torment of his guilty conscience for the murder of Banquo.<br />## Step 3<br />This scene is pivotal as it shows the psychological unraveling of Macbeth due to his guilt and paranoia.