Name: ________________________________________________________________________________
(Staple this sheet to your answers, or write your answers on the back side of this paper—do NOT write your
answers just under the questions, or you will be asked to write them over.)
Macbeth Act II Questions
1. List 5 major events of Act II.
2. Compare and contrast Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s reactions to Duncan’s murder. Use at least 2 quotes
per character (that means you will need at least 4 quotes).
3. Why do you think that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth have different views about how much water it will
take to wash off Duncan’s blood? Use quotes in the course of your answer.
4. Lady Macbeth refers to what will make Macbeth “mad” (II.2.46) and “brainsickly” (II.2.60). What is it
that threatens to drive Macbeth insane, and explain why this would drive a person insane?
5. Throughout Act II, there are numerous references to animals and weather. Look at the following lines
about animals and weather, and then
A. Explain what behaviors are exhibited by the animals and weather;
B. Explain the trend/pattern/commonality that you see in their behavior; and
C. Explain why you think Shakespeare has included these details in Act II.
• II.1.65-68
• II.2.5
• II.2.20
• II.3.61-69
• II.4.15-22
6. How do the last two lines of Act II, Scene 4 contrast with the last two lines of Act I, Scene 1? Explain.
7. In Act II, scene iv, there is discussion about how Macbeth becomes king. Explain what happened to
Malcolm and Donaldbain, and how Macbeth becomes king.
Grading Rubric:
10
9
8
7
6
Late
No Credit
Student has thoroughly
answered all questions—this
means that student’s answers
are accurate and have been
explained using specific
references to the events and
dialogue in the text,
including quotes when the
question calls for them.
Also, notes from class
discussions have been added
to the student’s answers in
order to correct
misinterpretations or to
further elaborate on
student’s original ideas.
Student meets
the criteria for
a “10,” except
one answer
must be more
developed.
Student meets
the criteria for
a “10,” except
two answers
must be more
developed.
Student meets
the criteria for
a “10,” except
three answers
must be more
developed.
Student meets
the criteria for
a “10,” except
four answers
must be more
developed.
60% of
earned score:
More than
four answers
are
underdevelop
ed, and so,
sufficient
effort has not
been
displayed to
receive credit
for the
assignment.
6
5.5
5
4