Act 3, Scene 2 Flashcards
What happens in Act 3, Scene 2?
Lady Macbeth is concerned about Macbeth’s misery. She advises him not to think on past deeds saying ‘what’s done is done’. Macbeth is plagued by fears about potential threats and ‘terrible dreams’. He envies Duncan who ‘sleeps well’ in his grave. Lady Macbeth encourages Macbeth to put on a brave face for his guests that evening. He tells his wife that his mind is ‘full of scorpions’ with fears about Banquo and Fleance. He will not tell her what he has done but asks the ‘seeling night’ to disguise his deeds.
What quote shows Macbeths deteriorating state of mind?
‘We have scorched the snake, not killed it.’
‘Duncan is in his grave, after lifes fitful fever, he sleeps well’.
How do these quotes show Macbeths descent into madness?
Macbeth is getting progressively troubles in other ways. He can’t feel as the plan is successful unless Banquo and the heirs are dead. Its ironic as he refers to snakes, a symbol of the devil, but in many ways Macbeth himself has become one.
What is interesting about this scene?
Macbeth is more dominant in this scene, as we can see throughout the distribution of lines. this is a swap from the beginning of the play and their roles reverse to the societal norms. The fact that she was ‘muted; as opposed to how she usually was, highlights the toll the murder took on her.
