Macbeth Act 2 Scene 3 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Summarise what happens in Act 2 Scene 3.

It begins with a drunken porter who rambles on about Macbeth's castle being the gateway of hell. Next, Macduff and Lennox arrive, discussing the bizarre weather of the night, followed by Macduff revealing the shocking news of Duncan's death.

What is the porter representing, and what is the purpose of this in the beginning of Act 2 Scene 3?

The porter provides comedic value through his drunken behavior and represents the metaphor of being the gatekeeper of hell. He reflects that the castle is hell due to Macbeth's sinful behavior, relieving the audience's tension before the news of Duncan's murder.

What can be inferred about the character of Macduff from the quote, 'Is thy master stirring?'?

It shows Macduff as a dutiful and trusted ally to King Duncan, with a strong moral center unlike Macbeth. It foreshadows that he will seek revenge on Macbeth later by restoring justice.

How is Macbeth viewed by others in the King's court, using the quotes 'Good morrow, noble sir' and 'Is thy king stirring, worthy thane'?

The use of complimentary adjectives like 'noble' and 'worthy' shows that Macbeth is viewed as a great and honorable gentleman, creating a dark contrast to his later behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the implications of the quote, 'The night has been unruly: where we lay our chimneys were blown down; and, as they say lamenting heard I' the air; strange screams of death.'

The quote implies that natural order has been disrupted due to Macbeth and Lady Macbeth's traitorous acts. The chaotic weather and strange sounds symbolize the moral chaos in the kingdom. Signup and view all the answers

What references can be seen in the quote, 'And prophesying with accents terrible of dire combustion and confusing events'?

'Prophesying' reminds the audience of the witches, while 'of dire' resonates with Lady Macbeth's speech, connecting the supernatural and the ambition that drives the characters. Signup and view all the answers

How does Lennox's language create an image that seems apocalyptic, using the quote, 'the earth was feverous and did shake'?

By personifying the earth as feverous and shaking, it evokes apocalyptic connotations and reflects the disturbance in nature caused by the regicide. Signup and view all the answers

How would you describe Macduff's reaction to the murder? How does the repetition of 'horror' emphasize this?

Macduff's reaction shows shock and despair, with the repetition of 'horror' reinforcing the atrocity of Duncan's murder. His exclamatives highlight his genuine emotions and dismay. Signup and view all the answers

How does Macduff here contrast with the violent form of masculinity portrayed by Macbeth?

Macduff is capable of expressing human emotions like remorse, unlike Macbeth, who exhibits alienating emotions and lacks moral judgment. Signup and view all the answers

What type of imagery is used in the quote, 'Most sacrilegious murder hath broke ope the Lord's anointed temple, and stole thence,' and what can you infer from this?

The religious imagery references the breaking of the divine right of kings. The metaphor of the 'Lord's temple' being violated signifies the tragedy of regicide. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of Act 2 Scene 3

Opens with a porter, humorously representing the gatekeeper of hell, using drunken ramblings to introduce the theme of chaos in Macbeth’s castle.
Macduff and Lennox arrive to discuss ominous weather, setting a foreboding tone.
Macduff reveals the shocking news of King Duncan’s murder.

Role of the Porter

Provides comic relief amidst tension, using humor to ease the atmosphere following Duncan's murder.
Represents hell, highlighting the castle's moral corruption under Macbeth's rule.

Macduff’s Characterization

Reflected in his query, "Is thy master stirring?", showcasing his loyalty and moral integrity compared to Macbeth.
Suggests future conflict, indicating Macduff’s role as the avenger of Duncan’s death.

Macbeth’s Reputation

Valued for his nobility, seen through terms like "noble sir" and "worthy thane."
Creates dramatic irony, contrasting his honorable image with his upcoming betrayal.

Disruption of Natural Order

Lennox describes the night as "unruly," indicating chaos resulting from Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s actions.
Phrases like "lamentings heard" and "strange screams of death" illustrate the world mourning Duncan's assassination and foreshadowing consequences.

References to Prophesy

"Prophesying" evokes the witches, linking Macbeth’s fate to supernatural elements.
"Of dire" echoes Lady Macbeth’s earlier ambitions, stressing the interplay between prophecy and action.

Apocalyptic Imagery by Lennox

Describes the earth as "feverous and did shake," suggesting an apocalyptic scenario, enhancing the scene’s tension.
Reflects themes in Macbeth’s soliloquies about the chaos resulting from his deeds.

Macduff’s Reaction

Demonstrates profound shock through repeated exclamations of "horror," emphasizing the brutality of Duncan's murder.
The emotional extremity underscores Macduff's innocence and humanity, contrasting with Macbeth’s detached nature.

Masculinity and Emotion

Macduff’s expressions of grief showcase genuine human emotions, unlike Macbeth’s coldness.
His moral compass highlights the conflict between different representations of masculinity in the play.

Religious Imagery

"Most sacrilegious murder" signifies the violation of divine order and the sacred nature of kingship.
The metaphor of "Lord's anointed temple" symbolizes King Duncan as divinely chosen, illustrating the grave implications of regicide.

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Description

Dive into the key elements of Act 2 Scene 3 of Macbeth with these flashcards. Explore the drunken porter's role, the discussions between Macduff and Lennox, and the shocking revelation of Duncan's death. Enhance your understanding of Shakespeare's work through focused questions and insights.