act 2

• Who are the characters mentioned in the opening of Act 2, Scene 1 of Macbeth?

  Banquo and his son Fleance
• What time is it when Banquo and Fleance are walking in Macbeth's castle?

  It is after midnight
• Why does Banquo wish to stay awake despite being tired?

  Because his sleep has inspired "cursed thoughts"
• What does Banquo mention he had a dream about?

  The "three weird sisters"
• How does Macbeth respond to Banquo's mention of the witches?

  He claims he has not thought of them at all since their encounter
• What vision does Macbeth have in the darkened hall?

  A dagger floating in the air
• What does Macbeth wonder about the dagger he sees?

  Whether it is real or a "dagger of the mind"
• What does Macbeth think he sees on the blade of the dagger?

  Blood
• What does Macbeth resolve to do after seeing the vision of the dagger?

  To do his bloody work
• Why does Lady Macbeth say she would have killed King Duncan herself?

  Because he resembled her father as he slept
• How does Macbeth feel after killing King Duncan?

  He is badly shaken and feels guilt
• What does Macbeth hear after killing Duncan that troubles him?

  A voice cry out: "Sleep no more, Macbeth does murder sleep"
• What does Lady Macbeth criticize Macbeth for forgetting to do?

  To leave the daggers with the sleeping chamberlains
• How does Lady Macbeth react to Macbeth's refusal to return to the room?

  She takes the daggers into the room herself
• What does Macbeth ask when he hears the knocking after the murder?

  “Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood clean from my hand?”
• How does Lady Macbeth react when she notices Macbeth forgot to leave the daggers?

  She becomes angry and takes the daggers into the room herself.
• What does Lady Macbeth say to Macbeth when she leaves to frame the chamberlains?

  She says she would be ashamed to be as cowardly as Macbeth.
• What sound frightens Macbeth after the murder?

  A mysterious knocking.
• What does Macbeth ask regarding the blood on his hands?

  He asks if all great Neptune’s ocean can wash the blood clean from his hand.
• What does Lady Macbeth tell Macbeth about washing away the deed?

  She tells him, "A little water clears us of this deed."
• What is the significance of the elision technique used in Act 2 of Macbeth?

  • It maintains the rapid tempo of the play.
• How does Lady Macbeth show vulnerability regarding Duncan's murder?

  She claims she would have killed Duncan herself except that he resembled her father.
• What does the appearance of Fleance signify in the play?

  It serves as a reminder of the witches’ prediction that Banquo’s children will sit on the throne of Scotland.
• What are the key motifs and symbols associated with Macbeth's guilt after the murder?

  • The motif of blood symbolizes guilt.
  • The hallucination of the dagger represents his trepidation.
  • Knocking at the gate conveys inevitability and doom.
• How does Lady Macbeth's perspective on guilt differ from Macbeth's?

  She believes that a little water can wash away the blood and guilt.
• What does the knocking sound symbolize in the context of the play?

  It symbolizes the inevitability of doom and the consequences of their actions.
• How does the theme of ambition manifest in Act 2 of Macbeth?

  • Macbeth's ambition drives him to murder Duncan.
  • Lady Macbeth's ambition pushes Macbeth to commit the act.
  • The consequences of ambition lead to guilt and paranoia.
• What does the motif of blood foreshadow in the play?

  It foreshadows the guilt and madness that will plague both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.
• What does Macbeth's hallucination of the dagger represent?

  It represents his guilt and trepidation about committing murder.
• How does Lady Macbeth's view of power contrast with her vulnerability?

  She desires power but shows vulnerability when she compares Duncan to her father.