Briggs/Yang
FNDN I
Unit Handout
MACBETH ACT II
Macbeth sees a “dagger of the mind” leading him towards Duncan’s chamber. (1.) Lady Macbeth has drugged the guards, noting
that Duncan’s resemblance to her father has stayed her from doing the deed herself. After the murder, Macbeth carries the bloody
daggers from the chamber causing Lady Macbeth to reprimand him for his great show of emotion. After she returns the daggers and
smears the guards with blood, she tells Macbeth, “a little water clears us of this deed.” (ii.)
The porter attends the knocking at the gate, creating a comic relief scene of his imaginings. Macduff discovers the body, and
Macbeth kills the guards, explaining the act as his overwrought response to their unjust offense. Duncan’s sons realize their danger
and decide that Malcolm will go to England and Donalbain will go to Ireland. (iii.) Their flight makes them suspect, and Macbeth is
crowned King of Scotland. (iv.)
Scene 1
1
What reasons can you give for Banquo feeling disturbed and unable to sleep?
2
What is the “vision” Macbeth sees before him? Outline in your own words the thoughts that fill Macbeth’s mind.
Scene 2
3
What is the reason Lady Macbeth gives for not killing Duncan herself?
4
Locate the quotes that indicate Macbeth is disturbed by his deed?
5
Quote Lady Macbeth’s reaction.
6
Why is Macbeth concerned about the blood on his hands?
7
How does his reaction differ to Lady Macbeth’s?
8
How does the knocking at the gate add to the horror of this scene? What is its dramatic function?
Scene 3
9
List some of the strange occurrences that Lennox reports.
10
Why have these “unnatural happenings” occurred?
11
What reason does Macbeth give for killing the grooms?
12
Speculate on what causes lady Macbeth to faint.
13
Why do Malcolm and Donaldbain decide to “flee” from Scotland?
Scene 4
13
Locate at least two references for each of the following:
(a) unnatural occurrences
(b) darkness
14
Why are Malcolm and Donaldbain suspected of the murder?
(c) blood
MACBETH ACT III
Macbeth plans to overturn the witches’ prophecy that Banquo’s sons will become kings by sending two murders to kill both Banquo
and his son, Fleance. (i.) Macbeth no longer needs Lady Macbeth’s involvement and bids her be “innocent of the knowledge” of his
decisions. (ii.) A third murderer, obviously not known by the other two, joins them, and although Banquo is slain, Fleance escapes.
(iii.)
At the banquet, Macbeth is terrified by the bloody ghost of Banquo. Since no one else sees the apparition, Lady Macbeth attempts
to excuse his behavior and eventually has to end the banquet. Macbeth determines to visit the witches again. (iv.)
Suspicion of Macbeth is mounting, and Macduff joins Malcolm in England. (vi.)
Scene 1
1
Quote evidence that Banquo is suspicious about Macbeth’s manner of becoming king.
2
Why does Macbeth plan to kill (a) Banquo and (b) Fleance?
3
Give three arguments Macbeth uses to convince the murderers to kill Banquo.
Scene 2
4
Quote further evidence of Macbeth’s state of mind.
5
What statement does Macbeth make that suggests Lady Macbeth is unaware of Macbeth’s plan to kill Banquo and
Fleance?
6
What does Macbeth’s statement indicate about their relationship as co-conspirators and about Lady Macbeth’s
influence on Macbeth?
Scene 3
7
The climax (or turning point) occurs in this scene, when the fortunes of the tragic hero irreversibly turn for the worse.
What is the climax specifically? Give reasons for your answer.
Scene 4
8
Describe how the appearance of Banquo’s ghost affects Macbeth.
9
How does Lady Macbeth try to calm her husband?
10
Why does she dismiss the quests?
11
What is Macbeth determined to do in order to attain his goal of security?
Scene 5
14
What characteristic of Macbeth does Hectate reinforce?
Scene 6
12
What is Fleance accused of?
13
Why has Macduff gone to England?
Briggs/Yang
FNDN I
Unit Handout