Macbeth Homework –
For Wednesday: Act II, Scenes 3 & 4
Act II, Scene 3: This scene involves the discovery of Duncan’s body, by Macduff, another thane in
Duncan’s service.
A. What you need to think about. Either be able to answer these or be able ask questions about the
specific lines that got you stuck. I will check in class to make sure you are prepared in at least one of
these ways.
1. Shakespeare begins this scene with a speech by Macbeth’s doorman who is very drunk (and very
funny when performed by the right actor). Why did Shakespeare decide to include it?
2. What appears to happen to Lady Macbeth? Why? Are things as they seem?
3. What does Macbeth do to the grooms (Duncan’s servants)? Reason he gives for doing it.
4. What Malcolm and Donalbain (Duncan’s sons) decide to do.
B. What you need to write about. The psychological thriller element: When talking to Macduff,
Macbeth describes reacts to the killing and to what he does with the grooms. How does Macbeth use
personification (lines 107-112) and imagery (lines 127-137) to convey his reaction to the situation? Use
the skills we practiced in class when writing your answer.
Act II, Scene 4: What you need to write about. In this scene an old man and a thane named Ross talk
about a number of strange things that happened after Duncan was murdered. Pick three of them and
describe how they might echo, reflect or represent the situation. Use the skills we practiced in class
when writing your answer.