Macbeth Act 2 Textbook Questions

Scene 1: # 1-3

1- The atmosphere created through the use of this device is dark with images that speak strongly of deth. I can think of some movies that pay attention to the use of pathetic fallacy: “The Lion King” where the battle between Scar and Simba is accompanied by lightening, rain and fire. “Holes” a novel by American writer Louis Sachar, the film part of chapter 29 begins with “ There was a change in the weather. For the worse”.

2- The scene between Banquo and Macbeth serve the audience to understand the diverging of the characters. Macbeth and Banquo were both noble first but now Macbeth is plotting Duncan’s murder and even lying to his best friend. Banquo is still loyal but he is suspicious of Macbeth. Macbeth lies “I think not of them” (2.1.26), refereed to the Weird Sisters. Macbeth started to talk about the Weird Sisters, that means he want to talk about their prophecies (2.1.31-32). Banquo didn’t ask him about all this and the talk is over when he says “So I lose none In seeking to argument , but still keep…..” (2.1.33-36), which means “I know what you have in mind, and I want no part of it”. This make Banquo suspicious of Macbeth

3- When Macbeth makes his way to Duncan’s chambers he is having an hallucination of a “floating dagger” before him. His state of mind is one in which his hold of rationality has abandoned him.

Scene 2 #1, 3, and 4

1. While Macbeth is out to kill Duncan, Lady Macbeth seems to be nervous and afraid of being caught. She talks about how its a foolproof plan, and that it shouldn’t be ruined, however has some doubt that Macbeth will be caught hovering over Duncan’s body. Also, at first, Lady Macbeth agrees to kill Duncan, but then refuses to carry out the deed, showing that she is not as strong as she believes herself to be. She warns Macbeth not to think too deeply about their deeds as it will make them mad. ” These deeds must not be thought. After these ways. So, it will made us mad.” (2.2.41-42)

3- Due to Macbeth hesitance to kill Duncan, Lady Macbeth decided to carry out the deed herself but then later she changes her mind. This is because sleeping Duncan looks like her father, and killing him would make her carry guilt for the rest of her life. If he hadn’t resembled her father’s face, she would kill him. She carries herself with a ruthless and heartless demeanor but this shows that she has a conscious.

4- At the end of Act 2, scene 2, Macbeth feels guilt, remorse, nervousness and fear. He shows this by saying he hears a voice cry “Sleep no more!”. (2.2.50) He also goes on about the knocking at the door, and hopes it will awake Duncan. He’s afraid to go back to leave the daggers, saying “I’ll go no more. I am afraid to think what I have done. Look on it again I dare not.” (2.2.60-63) This shows that he feels guilt and remorse towards the killing of Duncan.

Scene 3, #3

3- In this scene, Lady Macbeth takes center stage to divert the attention away from herself and Macbeth. She acts clueless, pretending not to know what has happened and where. “Woe, alas! What, in our house?” (2.3.91-92). This shows that Lady Macbeth is ambitious and cunning, knowing to play her part as her husband may still be in an unstable mental state. She continues this charade when she faints. I believe her to be faking this because she may be feeling as though Macbeth isn’t as strong as she is, and may slip up when talking to Lennox, Macduff and Malcolm and all their efforts will go to waste. He was already feeling guilty and probably didn’t want them to pay as much attention to Macbeth.

Scene 4, #1 and 2

1- Unnatural events occured prior to and after Duncan murder. “On Tuesday last A falcon towering in her pride of place Was by a mousing owl hawked at and killed.” (2.4.13-15) Also Duncan’s horses who are usually tame, became wild in nature, breaking and fleeing from their stalls. During Duncan’s murder, Lady Macbeth heard “the owl scream and the crickets cry.” (2.2. 19)

2 – I believe Macduff chose not to go to Scone to see Macbeth crowned because he feels that Macbeth had something to do with the murder of Duncan. He views Macbeth with suspicion. Macduff is worried that the new leadership (new robs) will not be as good as the former leadership. ” Well, may you see things well done there. Adieu Lest our old robes sit easier than our new!” (2.4.49-50).

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