Act 2

Question 1

Describe the significance of the dagger that McBeth sees in Act Two, Scene One.

Answer 1

The dagger symbolizes McBeth’s bloody destiny and the violent murder he is about to commit. It raises questions about whether it is a supernatural vision or a manifestation of his traumatized mind.

Question 2

How does Bano react to the presence of the stars in Act Two, Scene One?

Answer 2

Bano comments that the stars are all out, suggesting a disturbance in nature and reflecting his unease about the impending murder.

Question 3

Define the role of Lady McBeth in Act Two, Scene Two.

Answer 3

Lady McBeth initially boasts about her skill in drugging the guards but becomes nervous as the reality of the murder sets in, ultimately taking charge when McBeth enters covered in blood.

Question 4

What does McBeth mean by the phrase ‘sleep no more’ in Act Two, Scene Two?

Answer 4

This phrase indicates McBeth’s guilty conscience and the psychological torment he experiences after committing the murder of Duncan.

Question 5

How does Shakespeare depict the murder of Duncan in Act Two?

Answer 5

Shakespeare does not stage the murder itself, possibly as a mark of respect for King James I, for whom the play was performed.

Question 6

Explain the emotional state of McBeth when he sees the dagger in Act Two, Scene One.

Answer 6

McBeth is initially confused and questions the reality of the dagger, indicating his inner turmoil and the conflict between his ambition and his moral hesitation.

Question 7

What is the significance of the Bell in Act Two, Scene One?

Answer 7

The Bell signifies that Lady McBeth has drugged the guards, signaling to McBeth that it is time to proceed with the murder of Duncan.

Question 8

How does Lady McBeth’s demeanor change throughout Act Two, Scene Two?

Answer 8

She starts off confidently bragging about her actions but quickly becomes anxious and fearful as the consequences of the murder unfold.

Question 9

Describe the theme of violence as it relates to McBeth’s actions in Act Two.

Answer 9

The theme of violence is central to McBeth’s character, as his actions lead to the brutal murder of Duncan, reflecting the destructive consequences of ambition and guilt.

Question 10

What does McBeth’s soliloquy reveal about his mental state in Act Two, Scene One?

Answer 10

His soliloquy reveals his deep inner conflict and uncertainty, as he grapples with the reality of his violent intentions and the influence of the weird sisters.

Question 11

Describe the significance of blood on Macbeth’s hands in the play.

Answer 11

The blood on Macbeth’s hands symbolizes the guilt that stains his soul after committing murder. It represents his deep regret and the irreversible nature of his actions.

Question 12

How does Lady Macbeth contribute to the cover-up of Duncan’s murder?

Answer 12

Lady Macbeth takes the daggers from Macbeth to smear the servants with King Duncan’s blood, framing them for the murder and attempting to conceal their involvement.

Question 13

Define the role of the Porter in Act 2, Scene 3.

Answer 13

The Porter serves as a comic relief character who, while drunkenly complaining about the knocking at the door, ironically alludes to the murder of King Duncan, unaware of the gravity of the situation.

Question 14

What does Macbeth claim about the King’s death and his own actions?

Answer 14

Macbeth deceitfully claims that the King’s death renders life pointless and admits to killing the guards in a fit of rage, portraying himself as a victim of circumstance.

Question 15

How do Malcolm and Donalbain respond to their father’s murder?

Answer 15

Malcolm and Donalbain decide to flee to Ireland and England, respectively, fearing for their lives after the murder of their father, King Duncan.

Question 16

Explain the significance of the quote regarding Neptune in Macbeth’s soliloquy.

Answer 16

Macbeth’s reference to Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, highlights his desperation and the enormity of his guilt, as he questions whether any amount of water could cleanse him of the blood and sin he carries.

Question 17

What is the dramatic irony present in the Porter’s scene?

Answer 17

The dramatic irony lies in the fact that the Porter humorously imagines himself as the porter of Hellgate, while the audience knows that a murder has occurred, contrasting the light-heartedness of his character with the dark reality.

Question 18

Describe Lady Macbeth’s reaction after Duncan’s murder is discovered.

Answer 18

Lady Macbeth faints after the discovery of Duncan’s murder, which serves to distract attention from her and Macbeth’s involvement in the crime.

Question 19

How does Macbeth’s character change throughout the scene after Duncan’s murder?

Answer 19

Macbeth transitions from a hesitant murderer to a manipulative deceiver, as he tries to control the narrative surrounding Duncan’s death and deflect suspicion from himself.

Question 20

What metaphor does Macbeth use to describe Duncan’s body?

Answer 20

Macbeth uses a deceitful metaphor, referring to Duncan’s body as ‘his silver skin laced with,’ which reflects his attempt to mask the horror of the murder with poetic language.

Question 21

Describe the significance of Duncan’s character in Macbeth.

Answer 21

Duncan represents purity and goodness, which is ironic as Macbeth uses language associated with him to mask his own guilt.

Question 22

How does Shakespeare use nature to reflect the consequences of Macbeth’s actions?

Answer 22

Shakespeare illustrates that the death of a rightful king disrupts the natural order, as seen in the old man’s discussion of strange disturbances in nature following Duncan’s death.

Question 23

Define the role of the witches’ prophecies in Macbeth.

Answer 23

The witches’ prophecies set the stage for Macbeth’s ambition and treachery, ultimately leading to his rise to power and the ensuing chaos.

Question 24

What motif is employed in Act Two, Scene Four, and what does it signify?

Answer 24

The motif of birds, particularly the falcon and the mousing owl, signifies the unnatural reversal of the natural order due to Macbeth’s treachery.

Question 25

How does the conversation between Ross and the old man contribute to the play’s themes?

Answer 25

Their conversation highlights the Jacobean belief that a king’s death disturbs nature, reinforcing the theme of the natural order being upset by Macbeth’s actions.

Question 26

What is the significance of Macbeth’s crowning at Scone?

Answer 26

Macbeth’s crowning at Scone marks the fulfillment of the witches’ prophecies and signifies the culmination of his treasonous ambitions.

Question 27

Explain the irony present in Macbeth’s use of language associated with Duncan.

Answer 27

Macbeth’s use of language that symbolizes wealth and power ironically contrasts with his guilty conscience and treachery.

Question 28

How does the old man’s comment about the falcon and the owl relate to the theme of appearance versus reality?

Answer 28

The old man’s observation reflects the theme of appearance versus reality, as the powerful falcon is killed by the weaker owl, symbolizing the unnatural outcomes of Macbeth’s ambition.

Question 29

What does the audience anticipate at the end of Act Two?

Answer 29

The audience is eager to see if and how Macbeth’s crime will be discovered, creating tension and suspense.