The Tragedy of Macbeth: Act II Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the main idea of Act II?

Murderers must live with the consequences and their consciences of their deeds.

Why do you think Shakespeare probably chose to write Macbeth in blank verse?

It gives the effect of natural speech.

What is Lady Macbeth's plan for the murder of King Duncan?

Get the guards drunk/drugged, she is getting the daggers out, Macbeth must commit the murder and Lady Macbeth will smear the king's blood on the guards.

What symbolizes that the murder is complete?

The owl's scream and the cricket's cry. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Macbeth say he will 'sleep no more'?

His guilt will not let him. Signup and view all the answers

In the Old Man's dialogue in Scene iv, what symbolizes King Duncan?

The falcon symbolizes King Duncan. The owl symbolizes Macbeth. Signup and view all the answers

How does Lady Macbeth feel after the murder of the King?

Lady Macbeth is calm, collected, and thinking straight. Macbeth is freaking out, cannot pray, he has blood on his hands. Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think Shakespeare makes Banquo the last person Macbeth sees before he murders the king?

Will vary. Banquo is Macbeth's last chance to change his mind, do what is right and not kill King Duncan. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Main Idea of Act II

Focuses on the theme of consequences and guilt that murderers endure.
Highlights the moral and psychological burden of committing heinous acts.

Blank Verse in Macbeth

Shakespeare employs blank verse to mimic natural speech patterns.
This technique enhances the emotional depth and realism of the characters' dialogue.

Lady Macbeth and Macbeth's Roles

Lady Macbeth devises the plan to intoxicate the guards and retrieve the murder weapon.
She takes an active role in the murder by preparing the instruments of death.
Macbeth's role is to carry out the murder of King Duncan and participate in the immediate cover-up.

Symbolism of Murder's Completeness

The screeching of the owl and the cry of the cricket signifies the act of murder being accomplished.
These sounds represent the unnatural disturbance in the order of life following Duncan’s murder.

Macbeth's Guilt

Macbeth expresses the notion that he will "sleep no more" due to overwhelming guilt.
This statement emphasizes the psychological torment he experiences post-murder.

Symbolism in the Old Man's Dialogue

The falcon is a symbol for King Duncan, representing nobility and honor.
The owl symbolizes Macbeth, indicating his predatory nature and moral decline.

Emotional Responses After the Murder

Lady Macbeth remains composed and strategic, indicating her strong will and practicality.
In contrast, Macbeth is emotionally distraught, plagued by guilt, and unable to pray, highlighting his inner turmoil.

Significance of Banquo's Presence

Banquo’s role as the last person Macbeth encounters symbolizes the struggle between right and wrong.
His presence serves as a critical moment for Macbeth to reconsider his decision to murder Duncan.

Description

Explore key concepts and themes from Act II of Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' through this set of flashcards. Delve into the motivations of characters and the implications of their actions, particularly surrounding the murder of King Duncan. This quiz helps reinforce understanding of the text's structure and dramatic elements.