Macbeth Act 2 Summary

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Questions and Answers

What is Lennox's opinion about Macbeth's reaction to Duncan's murder?

He thinks Macbeth was guilty.

He views Macbeth's actions as noble. (correct)

He considers Macbeth's reaction weak.

He believes Macbeth was indifferent.

Who does Lennox imply is responsible for Duncan's murder?

Malcolm and Donalbain (correct)

Macbeth and Macbeth's servants

Macduff and Malcolm

Banquo and Fleance

What is the status of Macduff according to the Lord?

He is a traitor to Macbeth.

He is in disgrace. (correct)

He is at the court of Scotland.

He is leading an army.

What does Lennox suggest should be sent to the court of England?

A message asking for assistance. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Lord describe Edward, the king of England?

As a benevolent ruler. Signup and view all the answers

What consequence does Lennox think may happen due to Macduff's refusal to engage with Macbeth?

Macduff will regret his choice. Signup and view all the answers

What outcome does the Lord suggest they hope for from their prayers and actions?

A return to peace and order. Signup and view all the answers

What does Lennox reveal about the relationship between Macbeth and Banquo?

Banquo distrusts Macbeth. Signup and view all the answers

What does Lennox suggest about the nature of Fleance's actions?

Fleance fled to avoid blame. Signup and view all the answers

What reason does Lennox give for the negative perception of Malcolm and Donalbain?

They are accused of killing their father. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Lord characterize the state of Duncan's son in England?

He is living honorably and respected. Signup and view all the answers

What does Lennox express about Macduff's situation?

He is living in disgrace and avoiding confrontation. Signup and view all the answers

What does Lennox hope will result from sending a message to the English court?

To gather support against Macbeth's tyranny. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the Lord believe that it is important for Macduff to reach out to the king of England?

To gain military support against Macbeth. Signup and view all the answers

How does Lennox perceive Macbeth's handling of the situation?

He believes Macbeth is acting nobly and wisely. Signup and view all the answers

What does the interaction between Lennox and the Lord reveal about their situation in Scotland?

They are uncertain about Macbeth’s loyalty. Signup and view all the answers

What does Lennox suggest about the time of Banquo's death?

Banquo walked too late before his death. Signup and view all the answers

What is Lennox's perspective on Macbeth's actions towards Malcolm and Donalbain?

He believes Macbeth handled the situation with honor. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Lord characterize Macduff's situation in relation to Macbeth?

Macduff lives in disgrace after rejecting Macbeth. Signup and view all the answers

What does Lennox imply about the impending conflict in Scotland?

They hope to confront Macbeth with the king of England's support. Signup and view all the answers

What are the motivations of the characters when considering sending a message to the court of England?

To gain support in their fight against tyranny. Signup and view all the answers

What understanding do Lennox and the Lord have regarding the state of Scotland?

Scotland is suffering under an accursed hand. Signup and view all the answers

What reaction does the Lord anticipate from Macbeth regarding Macduff's refusal?

Macbeth will feel threatened by Macduff's stance. Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'cloudy messenger' imply about Macduff's interaction with Macbeth?

Macduff is reluctant to engage with Macbeth. Signup and view all the answers

What does Lennox suggest about the consequences of Macbeth's anger towards Macduff's refusal?

Lennox implies that Macbeth may retaliate against Macduff, indicating a potential escalation of conflict. Signup and view all the answers

How does Lennox interpret Macbeth's actions toward Duncan's murder and its aftermath?

Lennox appears to justify Macbeth's actions, portraying him as a victim of circumstance despite the heinous nature of the crime. Signup and view all the answers

What significance does Lennox attribute to Banquo's death and Fleance's flight?

Lennox suggests that Banquo's death serves as a warning, while Fleance's escape signifies missed opportunities for retribution. Signup and view all the answers

What underlying tensions are indicated by the Lord's description of Duncan's sons living in England?

The Lord suggests that Duncan's sons are safe from Macbeth's tyrannical rule, emphasizing the divide between the noble lineage and the usurper. Signup and view all the answers

What does Lennox mean by 'some holy angel' in the context of sending a message to England?

Lennox hopes for divine intervention to facilitate the urgent message and aid for Scotland. Signup and view all the answers

In what way does Lennox's conversation with the Lord reflect current events in Scotland?

Their discussion reveals the turmoil and increasing danger in Scotland under Macbeth's rule, as well as hopes for assistance. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Lord characterize King Edward of England, and what does it imply?

The Lord describes Edward as 'pious' and gracious, indicating that he is a benevolent leader who contrasts sharply with Macbeth. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'cloudy messenger' suggest about the communication between Macduff and Macbeth?

The 'cloudy messenger' implies an ambiguous and fraught communication, indicating Macduff's reluctance to confront Macbeth directly. Signup and view all the answers

What does Lennox suggest about the nature of Macbeth's emotional state regarding Duncan's murder?

Lennox suggests that Macbeth appears to have been emotionally affected, demonstrating grief and pious rage over Duncan's murder. Signup and view all the answers

What does Lennox imply about the potential consequences for Macbeth if he captures Duncan's sons?

Lennox implies that capturing Duncan's sons would lead Macbeth to understand the true weight of killing a father. Signup and view all the answers

How does Lennox view the actions taken against Banquo and Fleance?

Lennox views the actions against Banquo and Fleance as monstrous and suggests that Banquo was killed too late. Signup and view all the answers

What reasons does the Lord provide for Macduff's journey to England?

The Lord states that Macduff has gone to pray for King Edward's help to rally forces against Macbeth. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the Lord believe Macduff's refusal to engage with Macbeth will have?

The Lord believes that Macduff's refusal may provoke Macbeth's anger, potentially leading to further conflict. Signup and view all the answers

In what way does Lennox express a desire for divine intervention?

Lennox expresses a desire for 'some holy angel' to send a message to England for urgent help. Signup and view all the answers

What does Lennox mean when he talks about the 'cloudy messenger'?

Lennox refers to the 'cloudy messenger' as an indication of Macduff's ambiguous refusal to deliver a message to Macbeth. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Lord characterize King Edward's reception of Duncan's son?

The Lord characterizes King Edward as gracious, receiving Duncan's son with high respect despite misfortune. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Murder of Duncan and Banquo

Duncan was murdered by Macbeth, who is now king.
Banquo, a former friend of Macbeth, was also murdered.
Fleance, Banquo's son, escaped.
Macbeth's actions are seen as suspicious by Lennox and his fellow Lord.

Macbeth's Actions and Suspicions

Macbeth's reaction to Duncan's murder was feigned rage, which raises further suspicion.
Macbeth is seen as a threat to his own sons (Malcolm and Donalbain).
The Lord believes Macbeth killed Banquo and Fleance.

Macduff's Actions

Macduff, a noble lord and Duncan's son-in-law, is in disgrace.
Macbeth, the tyrant, has taken over Duncan's rightful birthright.
Macduff flees to the English court, where he is received by King Edward.

Macduff's Plan

Macduff seeks help from King Edward.
Macduff wants to rally the "warlike Siward" (a king of Northumbria) and Northumberland (a region in northern England) to overthrow Macbeth.
The plan is to restore justice and peace to Scotland.
The English king, known for his piety, will support their cause.

Macbeth's Reaction to Macduff's Actions

The Lord delivers a message from Macbeth to Macduff.
Macbeth is angered by Macduff's actions and prepares for war.
The Lord fears Macbeth's vengeance and hopes for "a sweet blessing" from a holy angel.

Lennox's Suspicions

Lennox expresses his suspicion about the events surrounding Duncan's death and Banquo's murder. He implies that Macbeth may have been involved, as the events seem "strangely borne."
Lennox observes that Macbeth appears to be feigning grief for Duncan's death, suggesting that he might not be mourning him genuinely.
Lennox suggests that Macbeth’s "pious rage" towards Donalbain and Malcolm for their father's murder is suspicious. The fact that they were "slaves of drink and thralls of sleep" also makes him doubt the authenticity of the accusations.
The Lord believes that Macbeth is suspicious of Duncan's sons, especially Malcolm, whom he believes murdered Duncan.
Lennox wonders if Macbeth intends to harm Malcolm and Fleance, suggesting that they would face terrible consequences if they were ever captured.

Macduff's Flight

Macduff remains in hiding, likely for fear of Macbeth's wrath, due to his absence at Macbeth's feast. He is implied to live in disgrace.
Macduff has fled to England, where he seeks the support of King Edward.
The Lord describes Edward as "pious," likely referring to his belief that Malcolm is the rightful heir to the Scottish throne.
He suggests that Macduff's high respect is not diminished by the "malevolence of fortune" Macbeth has brought upon him.
Macduff seeks Edward's support to help him in an attempt to reclaim the throne.
The Lord mentions that Macduff has sought the help of Northumberland, implying that there are allies both in England and in northern Scotland who are willing to support Macduff's cause.
Their intention is to overthrow Macbeth and restore a just and peaceful rule to Scotland.
Lennox is eager to see this happen and hopes it will bring back peace and stability to their land.

The King's Anger

Macbeth's reign has caused widespread suffering and fear within Scotland. People are deprived of basic necessities like food and sleep due to his tyranny.
The report of Macbeth's cruelty and the impending war has enraged King Edward, who is ready to take action.
Macbeth receives a message confirming his suspicions of Macduff’s whereabouts. The messenger delivers a hostile message, which suggests that Macbeth is aware of the danger posed by Macduff and his allies.

Lennox's Concerns

Lennox warns Macduff to be cautious as Macbeth is aware of his plans.
He suggests that an angel should inform the English court of Macbeth's impending attack on Scotland.
Lennox's hopes to avert further suffering in Scotland and ensure a swift victory for Macduff's forces.

Macbeth's Rule Continues

Lennox and another Lord discuss the recent events and how Macbeth has managed to maintain power.
Macbeth is rumored to have killed Duncan, and the murder of Banquo is also brought up.
Lennox comments on the fact that Macbeth, with "pious rage," did not punish the sons of Duncan for the murder of their father.
Lennox expresses suspicion and fear about Macbeth, comparing him to a tyrant.
The fear for the rightful heir, Malcolm, is expressed as he has fled to the English court for safety.
The English king is described as pious.

Macbeth's Actions and Reactions

Lennox and the unnamed Lord discuss Macduff's whereabouts.
Macduff has fled to the English court to seek aid from King Edward.
Macduff and King Edward plan to work with the forces of Northumberland and Siward to overthrow Macbeth.
Macbeth's response to the news of Macduff's request for help is described as "exasperate."
Macbeth reacts to the news of Macduff, and the news is delivered in a menacing way by a messenger.

The Hope of Restitution

Lennox and the Lord express their hope that justice will be served, and Macbeth will be overthrown.
They long for "free honours," free from the fear and violence of Macbeth's reign.
The Lord vows to pray for the success of the English king.
A holy angel is invoked to carry a message of hope to the English court, representing the weight of faith amidst suffering.

Act III, Scene 6: Suspicions and Plotting

Lennox and another Lord discuss the recent events, expressing their suspicions about Macbeth's involvement in Duncan's murder and Banquo's death.
The Lord believes Macbeth's behavior is suspicious, implying that he orchestrated both deaths.
Lennox believes Malcom and Donalbain were not responsible for the murders, and finds Macbeth's immediate actions suspicious.
Lennox expresses concern about Macduff's safety and suggests that Macbeth might want to eliminate him, especially as he missed Macbeth's feast.
The Lord reveals that Macduff is seeking refuge in the English court of King Edward, who treated him and Malcolm with respect and grace.
Macduff is seeking aid from King Edward to rally support against Macbeth and overturn his rule, hoping to restore peace and order.
The Lord confirms that King Edward has sent a messenger to Macduff with an invitation to join his cause.
The messenger's response suggests he feels threatened, warning Lennox that he will regret the message he delivered.
Lennox, recognizing the dangers surrounding Macduff, urges a holy angel to protect him and deliver news of his imminent arrival to the English court.
The Lord agrees to pray for Macduff’s safety.

Macbeth's Suspicions and Fleance's Fate

Lennox and another lord discuss the recent events surrounding Duncan's death and Banquo's disappearance.
Lennox implies that Macbeth is responsible for both deaths, questioning the authenticity of Fleance's alleged murder.
The lord notes that Macbeth appears overly concerned with Duncan's sons, Malcolm and Donalbain, even pretending to be outraged by their supposed crime.
Lennox believes Macbeth is feigning concern and suspects he will eventually turn against them.
Lennox also expresses concern about Macduff's well-being given his absence from Macbeth's feast.

Macduff's Exile and Edward's Support

The lord informs Lennox that Macduff has sought refuge in the English court, where he is being treated with great respect by King Edward.
Macduff is seeking Edward's help in rallying forces to overthrow Macbeth.
The plan involves securing support from Northumberland and Siward, powerful English figures.

Macbeth's Tyranny and the Call for Rebellion

Macbeth's reign is described as oppressive and plagued by violence.
Lennox expresses the desire for normalcy, free from fear and bloodshed.
The lord reveals that Macbeth, aware of the rebellion brewing, is preparing for war.
He also notes that Macbeth’s messenger, sent to Macduff, refused to deliver a message and expressed a sense of foreboding.

Lennox's Concerns and a Plea for Intervention

Lennox asks for guidance and hopes that divine intervention will protect the country from Macbeth's tyranny.
He prays that an angel will warn King Edward about Macbeth's plot and allow him to act swiftly before it's too late.

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Explore the pivotal events surrounding the murders of Duncan and Banquo in Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'. This quiz focuses on the actions and motivations of characters like Macbeth and Macduff, as well as the ensuing suspicions and plans for justice. Test your understanding of this iconic tragedy and its themes of ambition and betrayal.