Macbeth Act 2

Act 2

Scene 1

18.        Read lines 1 – 30 up to the point where Banquo exits. What impression do we have of Banquo from these verses?

The line “I’m seeking to augment it but still keep/My bosom franchised and allegiance clear,/I shall make honor for you” suggests that he has committed to not be involved in anything evil and dishonorable. Thus the exit of Banquo suggests his loyalty and good hearted nature. However he is conflicted with the situation because the prophecy of Macbeth comes true.

19.        What thoughts are going through Macbeth’s mind before he kills Duncan (41 – 72) Is this a dagger . . .to hell”?

Macbeth is creating illusions that are not real. The hallucinations he sees are daggers in blood and he tries to win over them. He sees these illusions because he feels guilty and the guilt is driving him to be trapped in fear and horror of what he has to do, which is to kill Duncan.

Scene 2

20.        How does Lady Macbeth assist in the assassination of Duncan? What reason does she give for not killing Duncan herself?“

Lady Macbeth provides ample alcohol, which has been drugged, for the guards so that they can be drunk and fall into sleep. It is indicated in “That which hath made them drunk hath made me bold;” Also constantly throughout act 1, she encourages Macbeth to be courageous and kill Duncan. However she fails to do it herself because Duncan reminds her of his father as she mentions through “Had he not resembled My father as he slept, I had done’t”

21.        What differences do you notice in how Macbeth and Lady Macbeth react after Duncan has been murdered?

Macbeth is trapped in horror and he is very shocked that he committed such evil. He is terrified by his own actions and even imagines of hearing voices. However unlike her husband, Lady Macbeth stays bold as she takes the bloody knife that was used to kill Duncan to the servants so that it makes them look as if they have done it.

Scene 3

22.        What role does the porter play at the beginning of this scene?

The porter provides a comic relief throughout the scene. With the murder of Duncan and all the emotions growing to the climax, the viewers of the play feel anxious and tensions rise. Thus with the funny actions and jokes by the drunken porter, the viewer feels more relaxed and become ready for the other scenes. 
Also the "gate keeper of hell" foreshadows the heavenly punishment of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.

23.        How does Macbeth explain the killing of the grooms?

Macbeth mentions “Who can be wise, amazed, temp'rate, and furious, Loyal and neutral, in a moment? No man. Th' expedition of my violent love Outrun the pauser, reason.” It shows his justification that he commited the killing of the grooms because he was so furious and angry about the fact that Duncan died. He was so outraged and acted on such violent level.  

24.        Why do Malcolm and Donalbain flee?

Malcolm and Donalbain flee to England and Island for their own safety. They are worried that they might get murdered as their father, Duncan has been. The concern is based on their idea that someone must have killed Duncan to get the throne and since they are the leading powers in Cumberland, they could be killed as well. However other people of Cumberland could think that Malcolm and Donalbain flee because they killed Duncan and was fearful of getting caught.

Scene 4

25.        What unnatural happenings occur the night of Duncan’s murder? Why does Shakespeare mention these? You need to ensure you are familiar with the notion of “The Great Chain of Being”.

On the night of Duncan’s murder unnatural things happen. First of all heavy storms surround Cumberland and although it is day, the darkness covers the sky. Also an own that usually catches a mouse caught a falcon which goes against the natural food chain and horses eat each other.

I believe that these unnatural events are mentioned to show the absolutism of the king. As people of that time believed in the divine rights of the kings, when Duncan was murdered, the gods were furious and caused all those abnormalities.

“The Great Chain of Being” refers to a concept which believes that there are hierarchy in the society, which in highest being Christian God and lowest being lowest form of life such as trees and rocks. Thus this concept gives divine rights to King. This is connected in Macbeth as Macbeth tries to over throw and erodes the Great Chain of Being by killing Duncan.