Macbeth Act 2 Study Guide

Questions and Answers

What is the central idea of Shakespeare's The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act 2?

A murderer must live with his conscience.

For what of the following reasons did Shakespeare probably choose to write The Tragedy of Macbeth in blank verse?

To avoid rhyme.

To create an effect of natural speech. (correct)

To enhance dramatic tension.

To simplify the narrative.

In The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act 2, Scene 2, Lady Macbeth's purpose in drugging the servants is what?

So they will sleep through King Duncan's murder.

What characterizes the line from The Tragedy of Macbeth 'This night's great business into my dispatch' as blank verse?

It has ten syllables with the stress falling on every second syllable. Signup and view all the answers

What symbol(s) in The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act 2, Scene 2, signals that the murder has been accomplished?

The owl's scream and the crickets' cries. Signup and view all the answers

In The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act 2, Macbeth declares he will 'sleep no more' because he believes what?

His conscience will never let him rest. Signup and view all the answers

In The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act 2, what does Macbeth really mean when he indicates that the blood on his hands will redden all the seas?

It is a comment on his profound guilt. Signup and view all the answers

In the Old Man's dialogue in The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act 2, Scene 4, what symbolizes King Duncan?

A falcon. Signup and view all the answers

In the following quote from Banquo in The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act 2, what does he say the purpose of meeting should be?

To know the bloody piece of work further. Signup and view all the answers

In The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act 2, when Lady Macbeth says 'My hands are of your color, but shame / To wear a heart so white,' she means what?

Her hands are red with King Duncan's blood, but, unlike her husband, she is not afraid. Signup and view all the answers

Why do you suppose Shakespeare made Banquo the last person Macbeth sees before he murders King Duncan in The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act 2?

Banquo, who is loyal to the king, represents Macbeth's last chance to do what is right and call off his murderous plan. Signup and view all the answers

In The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act 2, what reason does Lady Macbeth give for not killing King Duncan herself?

She says the king looked like her father as he slept. Signup and view all the answers

Unrhymed iambic pentameter is also called what?

Blank verse. Signup and view all the answers

To make sense of blank verse, you must do what?

Read and analyze each full sentence, no matter where the line breaks. Signup and view all the answers

In The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act 2, by killing Duncan, what does Macbeth most clearly seek to augment?

Power. Signup and view all the answers

What feelings or attitudes does Macbeth most clearly express in his final speech in The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act 2, Scene 1, lines 31-64?

Hesitation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the general effect of the blank verse that Shakespeare uses?

Through poetry, it tries to capture the rhythm of spoken English. Signup and view all the answers

According to Lady Macbeth, why doesn't she kill Duncan herself?

She could not kill the sleeping Duncan because in sleep he resembled her father. Signup and view all the answers

What character in The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act 2, does not speak in blank verse?

The porter in Scene 3. Signup and view all the answers

Based on Malcolm's and Donalbain's remarks at the end of The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act 2, Scene 3, what seems to be their reason for leaving Scotland?

They leave because they fear that, as close male relatives of Duncan's with strong claims to the Scottish throne, they will be targets of whatever person murdered Duncan. Signup and view all the answers

What does augment mean?

To make greater. Signup and view all the answers

What does palpable mean?

Capable of being touched. Signup and view all the answers

What does multitudinous mean?

Existing in great numbers. Signup and view all the answers

What does equivocate mean?

To mislead or deceive through words. Signup and view all the answers

What does predominance mean?

Superiority. Signup and view all the answers

What does stealthy mean?

Sly, furtive. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Central Themes and Ideas

Conscience plays a crucial role in Macbeth's internal conflict, particularly after committing murder.
Lady Macbeth's drugging of the servants is a strategic move to ensure Duncan's murder goes undetected.

Literary Techniques

Shakespeare utilizes blank verse (unrhymed iambic pentameter) to mimic natural speech, enhancing the play's realism.
Key elements of blank verse include lines with ten syllables and alternating stresses.

Symbols and Imagery

The owl's scream and crickets' cries symbolize the successful completion of King Duncan’s murder.
Duncan is symbolically represented as a falcon in the Old Man's dialogue, reflecting themes of power and change.

Character Dynamics

Lady Macbeth's contrasting nature is evident when she reveals her hands, stained with blood, yet shows no fear or regret, unlike Macbeth.
Banquo's presence before Duncan's murder serves as a representation of loyalty and a moral compass, highlighting Macbeth's ultimate choice.

Motifs of Guilt and Ambition

Macbeth expresses profound guilt when he mentions that blood on his hands could redden the seas, amplifying the theme of ambition leading to moral decay.
Lady Macbeth admits her inability to kill Duncan herself due to recognizing a familial resemblance, showcasing her psychological conflict.

Plot Developments

Macduff’s comments and Malcolm and Donalbain's decision to flee Scotland after Duncan's murder reflect their awareness of impending danger, adding to the atmosphere of suspicion and intrigue.
Their exit from Scotland conveniently clears the way for Macbeth's consolidation of power while simultaneously raising suspicions against them.

Vocabulary

Augment: To increase in power or significance.
Palpable: Something tangible or easily perceived.
Multitudinous: Existing in large quantities; abundant.
Equivocate: To use ambiguous language to conceal the truth.
Predominance: The state of being superior or having greater influence.
Stealthy: Acting in a secretive or sneaky manner.

Emotional Themes

Macbeth's final soliloquy in Act 2, Scene 1, reveals his internal hesitations and foreshadows his tragic descent into madness fueled by guilt and ambition.

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Test your understanding of Act 2 of Shakespeare's Macbeth with these flashcards. Explore key themes, character motivations, and stylistic choices within the text. Perfect for students who want to deepen their analysis and comprehension of this classic play.