Questions and Answers
What is Banquo experiencing in Act 2 Scene 1?
What does Macbeth see leading him to Duncan's room in Act 2 Scene 1?
A dagger
What does Lady Macbeth do after Macbeth returns from killing Duncan in Act 2 Scene 2?
What reaction does Macbeth have after killing Duncan in Act 2 Scene 2?
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In Act 2 Scene 3, Macbeth pretends not to know what has happened to Duncan.
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Malcolm flees to ______ after Duncan's murder.
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What do Macduff and Ross discuss in Act 2 Scene 4?
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Why are there suspicions about Duncan's sons in Act 2 Scene 4?
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Study Notes
Act 2 Scene 1
- Banquo experiences anxiety and insomnia due to the witches' prophecy, which Macbeth feigns disinterest in during their encounter.
- After their meeting, Macbeth hallucinates a dagger directing him towards King Duncan's chamber.
- Macbeth departs with the intention to murder Duncan.
Act 2 Scene 2
- Lady Macbeth anxiously awaits Macbeth's return after the murder.
- Macbeth returns with the daggers used in Duncan's assassination but is too horrified to return and place them at the scene.
- Lady Macbeth takes action, returning the daggers and framing the guards for Duncan's murder.
- She finds Macbeth paralyzed with fear and urges him to wash his hands and dress.
Act 2 Scene 3
- Macduff arrives to awaken King Duncan and discovers the King's lifeless body.
- Macbeth pretends to be unaware of the events surrounding Duncan's death.
- In a calculated move, Macbeth kills the guards, claiming it to be an act of rage to silence them.
- Malcolm and Donalbain, Duncan's sons, decide to escape to protect their lives—Malcolm to England and Donalbain to Ireland.
Act 2 Scene 4
- An old man and Ross discuss disturbing, unnatural occurrences following Duncan's murder.
- Macduff reveals suspicions that Duncan's sons are behind the murder due to their hasty flight.
- Macbeth is reported to have gone to Scone to be crowned king.
- Ross heads to Scone while Macduff chooses to return to his home in Fife.
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Description
Explore key scenes from Act 2 of Shakespeare's Macbeth through these flashcards. Each card provides a concise summary of critical moments, including the tension between Macbeth and Banquo and Lady Macbeth's anticipation of the murder. Perfect for quick revision!
