A.P. English Lit -- Mr. Rose
Name: < type name here >
MACBETH eWORKSHEET – #3
Questions on Act Two
Directions: The purpose of this worksheet is to reinforce what you’ve already read and what we’ve
discussed in class. Complete each response fully and thoughtfully. Some questions are purely about
comprehension; others ask you for analysis and/or interpretation.
Act 2, Scene I
1. What is keeping Banquo from sleeping?
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2. What is significant about Macbeth’s saying, “I think not of them,” after Banquo had admitted to
dreaming about the Weird Sisters?
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3. What does Macbeth mean when he says to Banquo, “If you shall cleave to my consent, when ’ tis, / It
shall make honour for you”? And what is significant about Banquo’s reply?
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4. What do you think accounts for Macbeth’s vision of the bloody dagger apparition? (Hint: This is
important.)
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Act 2, Scene II
5. Compare Macbeth’s and Lady Macbeth’s reactions immediately after the murder. How do they differ?
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6. Macbeth, apparently troubled by the murder he has just committed, tells Lady Macbeth what he saw
and heard. She tells him, “These deeds must not be thought of this way.” Why?
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7. Macbeth’s response is frequently quoted. What does Macbeth mean when he says, “Sleep no more”
and “Macbeth hath murdered sleep”?
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Act 2, Scene III
8. The Porter’s scene, or the “knocking at the gate,” is a much debated scene by scholars, but many agree
it is the typical comic relief scene seen in Shakespeare’s plays. What do you suppose the dramatic purpose
of a comic relief scene is? Why is the Porter’s soliloquy in prose rather than poetry?
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9. What does Shakespeare accomplish with Macduff’s allusion to “a new Gorgon”? What does it
reference, and why does Macduff say this?
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10. How does Macbeth react to the discovery of Duncan’ s body?
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11. How does Lady Macbeth react?
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12. Who is the one who points out the inappropriateness of Lady Macbeth’ s initial response? What does
he say in response to her? (Quote him.)
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13. How is Duncan’s body described (quote!) What is the predominant image in this scene, and what
effect does it create?
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14. What double meaning might Shakespeare have intended for Macbeth’s line, “He does: he did appoint
so,” in response to Lennox’s asking, “Goes the King hence today?”
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Act 2, Scene IV
15. How is Macduff ’s dislike and distrust of Macbeth established in this scene?
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16. What additional natural, or “unnatural,” events further the “crime against nature” theme? (Murder
here is the crime against nature.) In other words, what remarkable goings-on occur between animals
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17. Why is it that Macbeth succeeds Duncan as King of Scotland? Where does the coronation ceremony
take place?
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END
2 Macbeth Act 2
Mr. Rose