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The true reason is unknown and only inferences can be made. It is possible that Macbeth feared that the other two murderers would not do as he told them and MacBeth sent a third murderer to keep and eye on them. He may have also thought that two murderers alone would be unable to carry out the killing of Banquo and after realizing the fact he decided to send a third. If this was the case then MacBeth was partially right because although the murderers were able to kill Banquo his son, Fleance, escaped.
Also, there's a theory that Macbeth himself was the third murderer
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TaigaNo one really knows who the third murderer is exactly.
Some say it is Macbeth in disguise because he probably wouldn't leave two unknown people to handle a murder that can possibly damage his future. Also he can make sure nothing goes wrong or " no rubs nor botches in the work". The reason why he is in a disguise is so Banquo won't reveal his knowledge and ruin Macbeth.
On the other hand the other two murderers ask who sent the third, the third replies with "Macbeth." (unless he is lying or equivocating. If it was Macbeth, he might mean that he sent himself.) In their interview, the two murderers specifically are told to keep Macbeth blameless [Act 3 Scene 2 Line 132-133]. Also, Macbeth seems upset by the First Murderer's news of the escape of Banquo's son, Fleance [Act 3 Scene 4 Lines 21-25]. Equally does he seem unknowing [Line 25], and then relieved [Line 28], of the throat-slitting end to Banquo. It appears that Macbeth moves from his interview of the two murderers, to his conversation with his wife, and then to their banquet. In fact, it's to the banquet that the First Murderer brings news of the murder. Do the events allow Macbeth time to dress in a disguise, exit and re-enter the palace, get dressed, and greet his guests?
One idea is that the third murderer is Donalbain (King Duncan son). That's because after Donalbain left they never mentioned anything about him again. Macduff runs off to England to find Malcolm ( the King's other son) but Macduff never goes to find Donalbain. However, the 'son' was never specified, hence the son could have been Malcolm or Donalbain.
Some people say it is Lady Macbeth trying to figure out what Macbeth is intending to do. Some sources say it is one of the three witches, Hecate, or perhaps Fate itself. It is more probable that the third murderer is Seyton (Macbeth's servant) or the Porter or someone else we haven't heard of before.
The third murderer really emphasizes the idea of '3'. Act 3, Scene 3. 3 witches. The Holy Trinity. The three fates. 3 of royal blood, Duncan, Malcolm, and Donalbain. The three levels, heaven, hell, and earth. 3 prophecies. 3 apparitions. Perhaps Shakespeare just felt the need to add a third character.
He is trying to hire them. He wants them to bump off Banquo. But his conscience has trouble with the idea that these are just hired goons, so he dwells on the idea that they have a personal grudge against Banquo. Maybe they do, and maybe they are playing along because the customer is always right, especially when he's a king, but the fact is that these guys are prepared to do anything and that is exactly why Macbeth is hiring them.
It is possible that Macbeth feared that the other two murderers would not do as he told them and Macbeth sent a third murderer to keep an eye on them. He may have also thought that two murderers alone would be unable to carry out the killing of Banquo and after realizing the fact he decided to send a third. If this was the case then Macbeth was partially right because although the murderers were able to kill Banquo his son, Fleance, escaped.
In Shakespeare's play "Macbeth," the identity of the third murderer is never explicitly revealed. Some interpretations suggest that the third murderer could have been hired by Macbeth, while others speculate that it could be a random character added to create suspense and mystery.
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