Macbeth Act 2: Analysis and Key Events
Act II: Macbeth
Questions and Answers on Key Moments
Banquo’s Speech: “There’s Husbandry in Heaven…”
Comment on Banquo’s speech beginning “There’s husbandry in heaven…” and ending “… in repose.” Remember that this play would originally have been performed in the daytime, using natural light.
Answer: Banquo’s lines about the darkness (“There’s husbandry in heaven; Their candles are all out”) serve as a way of setting the scene for the audience. Since performances were held in daylight, Shakespeare used dialogue to indicate the time of day and create an atmosphere of foreboding.
Macbeth’s Vision: The Dagger
After his servant leaves him (Act II, Scene i), Macbeth imagines he can see something. What is it? Why would Macbeth see this, especially at this time and in this place?
Answer: He sees a dagger. This vision is a manifestation of Macbeth’s guilt and his growing mental instability as he contemplates the impending murder of Duncan.
Lady Macbeth’s Boldness
When Lady Macbeth says, “That which hath made them drunk hath made me bold,” what does she mean? Who are “them” and why should she want them to be drunk?
Answer: “Them” refers to the guards. Lady Macbeth has drugged their drinks to incapacitate them, allowing her and Macbeth to proceed with the murder of Duncan without interference. The alcohol that has intoxicated the guards has emboldened her.
Duncan’s Murder: Offstage
Sometimes Shakespeare shows killing onstage. Why, in your view, is the killing of Duncan not shown, but understood to happen offstage?
Answer: Staging a convincing murder, particularly of a king, could be challenging and potentially diminish the impact. Keeping the act offstage allows the audience to focus on the psychological and emotional consequences of the murder, amplifying the horror through suggestion and imagination.
Macbeth’s Mental State
How is Macbeth’s mind affected by the murder of Duncan?
Answer: Macbeth is deeply disturbed. He experiences guilt, paranoia, and hallucinations (hearing voices), indicating a rapid decline in his mental state.
Practicality After the Murder
Who is more practical after the killing, Macbeth or his wife? Why is this?
Answer: Lady Macbeth is more practical. She takes charge, instructing Macbeth to wash his hands and return the daggers. She is focused on covering up the crime, while Macbeth is overwhelmed by his guilt and fear.
The Porter Scene: Comic Relief
The scene featuring the porter makes a great contrast with what goes before and after it. Can you explain why Shakespeare should use comedy at this point in an otherwise not very comical play? (comic relief)
Answer: The porter’s scene provides comic relief, temporarily easing the tension after the intense scene of Duncan’s murder. This contrast heightens the dramatic impact of the surrounding events, making them seem even more horrific.
“All is But Toys”
After Duncan’s death, Macbeth says, “All is but toys.” What does he mean? Is Macbeth sincere when he makes this statement?
Answer: Macbeth means that everything of value in life is now meaningless. However, this statement is likely insincere, a performance intended to deflect suspicion from himself. His ambition suggests otherwise.
Malcolm and Donalbain’s Reaction
How do Malcolm and Donalbain react to the murder of their father? Is this a wise course of action? Why or why not? Can you think of any other things they might do in this situation?
Answer: Malcolm and Donalbain flee Scotland, fearing for their own lives. This is arguably a wise decision, given the circumstances, as it preserves their lives. However, they could have also chosen to stay and lead an investigation, potentially rallying support against the unknown murderer.
The Unnatural Omens
An old man tells Ross about a “mousing owl” that killed a falcon and about Duncan’s horses turning wild and eating each other. What might be the point of this speech? Comment on the idea of things being “unnatural” at this point in the play.
Answer: These unnatural events symbolize the disruption of the natural order caused by Duncan’s murder. The “mousing owl” killing a falcon and the horses eating each other reflect the chaos and inversion of hierarchy resulting from Macbeth’s regicide. Shakespeare uses these events to emphasize the gravity of Macbeth’s actions and the widespread consequences of violating the natural and moral order.
Macbeth’s Titles
- Thane of Glamis – Inherited
- Thane of Cawdor – Rewarded for stopping the rebellion against King Duncan
- King – Assumed after Duncan’s murder
(Thane – nobleman)
Characters
- Duncan – King of Scotland
- Malcolm and Donalbain – Duncan’s sons
- Macbeth and Banquo – Generals of the King’s army
- Macduff, Lennox, Angus, and Ross – Noblemen of Scotland
- Fleance – Banquo’s son
- Lady Macbeth – Macbeth’s wife
- Three Witches
- Porter
- Lords, Gentlemen, Officers, Soldiers, Murderers, Attendants, and Messengers
Setting
Scotland and England