Act 2, Scene 1 Flashcards
What happens in Act 2, Scene 1?
In the middle of the night, Banquo and his son Fleance unexpectedly meet Macbeth. They are surprised he is still awake. Banquo gives Macbeth a diamond from Duncan to thank him for an enjoyable evening. Banquo tells him that he dreamed of the ‘three weird sisters’ last night, but Macbeth lies and says he has not thought about them. Alone, as he goes towards Duncan’s chambers to murder the king, Macbeth sees a vision of a bloody dagger. He dismisses the vision, saying that it is the ‘bloody business’ that is causing him to hallucinate. He hears a bell and goes to kill Duncan.
What is so significant about this scene structurally?
Structurally, this scene represents a major climactic moment of the play whilst also functioning as a tipping point. This is because Macbeths decision in this scene will define the rest of the events of the play
Why is a dagger seen before Macbeth?
It is a small, easy-concealed weapon. It suggests deviousness and an extreme level of violence.
What is analysis of ‘proceeding from the heat oppressed brain’?
Mind is controlled by others. The personification of the dagger shows the power and hold the vision has over Macbeth. Suggesting that there is some supernatural agent controlling it.
What was the context in relation to heat in ‘heat oppressed brain’?
There was a belief that heat was something that could press on the brain and cause fever and delirium. The stress from the hallucinations could be referred to as the heat he is experiencing.
What is analysis of the quote ‘And on thy blade and dungeon gouts of blood’?
The gouts of blood has a dual meaning. The blood could either be Macbeths conscience. On the other hand, the blood could foreshadow further events - that further bloodshed will occur.
Why does Macbeth exclaim that ‘nature seems dead’?
Because it is unnatural to kill the king.
Why were ‘Hecate’ and ‘Tarquin’ used in Macbeths soliloquy?
Hecate is used to show that Macbeth is now appealing to evil Gods instead of the one true God believed by Christians. Tarquin is like Macbeth in that he was prepared to take what he wanted, despite the consequences.
How does Macbeth end his soliloquy?
With ‘knell’ and ‘hell’, these rhyming couplets signify closure.
