Macbeth – Act 2 Questions
Act 2, scene 1
1. Why can’t Banquo sleep? What does this indicate to us?
2. What does Macbeth see at the beginning of his soliloquy?
3. Explain what Macbeth means when he says, “It is the bloody business which informs / Thus to mine
eyes” (2.1.48-49).
Quotation Analysis:
1. Banquo – 2.1.4-7
2. Macbeth – 2.1.25-26
3. Banquo – 2.1.26-29
Act 2, scene 2
1. Why did Lady Macbeth not kill Duncan herself?
2. What is Lady Macbeth’s role in the murder of Duncan?
3. In 2.2.29, Macbeth says that he could not say “Amen;” what does this show us about Macbeth?
4. How does Lady Macbeth reassure Macbeth after he has killed Duncan? Find two quotations to
support your point.
5. What is Macbeth’s reaction after he has murdered Duncan?
Quotation Analysis:
1. Macbeth - 2.2.35-40
2. Macbeth – 2.2.60-63
3. Lady Macbeth – 2.2.67
Act 2, scene 3
1. What is the porter comparing Macbeth’s castle to? How is this an example of dramatic irony?
2. How does Macbeth act when the other thanes arrive at his castle?
4. What did Macbeth do to the servants he framed for the murder of Duncan? (Hint: look at 2.3.107108).
5. What does Macbeth mean when he says, “who could refrain, / That had a heart to love, and in that
heart / Courage to make ’s love known?” (2.3.117-119)? What is he referring to?
6. What do Malcolm and Donalbain decide to do after the murder of their father? Why do they decide
to do this?
Quotation Analysis:
1. Lennox – 2.3.54-61
2. Donalbain – 2.3.139-142
Act 2, scene 4
1. What does Ross note about the day in 2.4.6-10? What does this indicate to us?
2. Provide two examples of unnatural occurrences in this scene.
3. Who looks guilty for the murder of Duncan at this point?
4. What has happened to Macbeth?
5. Who does not go to Scone? Why do you think he decides not to go?
Quotation Analysis:
1. Old Man – 2.4.12-13
2.
Macduff – 2.4.37-38