Macbeth Act 2 Scene 1 Flashcards
Act 2, Scene 1 is concerned with the murder of Duncan and its immediate aftermath. Scene one builds tension as Macbeth prepares to commit the act.
Examine the dialogue between Macbeth and Banquo at the start of the scene. How would you describe Macbeth’s state of mind?
Macbeth seems anxious and distracted. Even though he is talking with Banquo, his mind is focused on the murder he is about to commit. His short responses show he’s nervous and not fully engaged in the conversation, hinting at his internal struggle.
In what ways is Macbeth different from the man we saw at the end of Act 1?
At the end of Act 1, Macbeth seemed determined but uneasy about killing Duncan. Now, he seems more troubled and conflicted. Instead of confidently going forward, he’s more focused on his fear and guilt.
Read the “Is this a dagger…” soliloquy carefully. Is Macbeth manifesting this dagger from his imagination, or is this some kind of spell or hoax?
The dagger seems to be a product of Macbeth’s imagination. He questions if it’s real or if it’s a “false creation” of his mind, showing that he might be hallucinating due to his anxiety.
What are the implications of each choice? If the dagger is imaginary, what does this vision suggest about Macbeth’s state of mind?
If the dagger is imaginary, it shows Macbeth is very stressed and fearful about the murder. His mind is creating visions because he feels so much guilt and pressure.
Why does someone like Macbeth, a seasoned soldier who has killed many enemies in battle, feel this kind of emotional intensity before killing Duncan?
Killing Duncan is different from killing in battle because Duncan is not an enemy—he’s Macbeth’s king and friend. This murder is personal and done for ambition, not survival, making it harder for Macbeth to handle.
Is Macbeth insane?
Macbeth is not insane, but he is mentally unstable. The stress of planning the murder is affecting him deeply, and his hallucinations show he’s overwhelmed with fear and guilt.
If the dagger vision is evidence that Macbeth is an imaginative person, why does he lack the imagination or foresight necessary to see the implications of his actions – or the implication of the witches’ prophecy for Banquo?
Macbeth’s imagination is focused on his ambition. He’s not thinking about the long-term consequences because he’s too focused on the immediate goal of becoming king. His ambition clouds his judgment and ability to think clearly about the future.
In what ways does this soliloquy represent an apparent change in Macbeth?
This soliloquy shows that Macbeth is moving from hesitation to action. Though he questions the vision of the dagger, he accepts it as a sign to proceed, showing that he’s becoming more determined to follow through with the murder.
Why does Macbeth kill Duncan?
Macbeth kills Duncan because of his ambition and the witches’ prophecy. He wants to make sure he becomes king, and even though he could let fate take its course, he chooses to act to ensure his success.
If Macbeth truly believes the witches’ prophecies are real, why does he take direct actions to make himself king when he could let “chance…crown [him] without [his] stir”?
Macbeth is impatient and driven by ambition. He doesn’t want to risk waiting for fate, so he decides to take action to make the prophecy come true faster.
To what extent is Macbeth to blame for his own actions?
Macbeth is mostly to blame for his actions. Even though Lady Macbeth and the witches influence him, he makes the final decision to kill Duncan. He knows what he’s doing is wrong but chooses to do it anyway.
If Lady Macbeth or the witches are to blame, why are they, especially since Macbeth is a grown man in a position of power and privilege they do not have?
While Lady Macbeth and the witches play a role, Macbeth is responsible for his choices. He is a powerful and capable man, but he allows their influence to sway him because it aligns with his own desires.
