Macbeth Murders Duncan

• Who goes for a walk at night in Scene 1?

  Banquo and his son, Fleance
• What does Fleance represent in the context of the Witches' prophecy?

  He is a reminder that Banquo's sons will be kings
• What does the phrase "Their candles are all out" signify in the scene?

  It indicates that it is very dark, symbolizing the evil Macbeth is about to commit
• How does the darkness in the scene relate to Duncan's speech in Act 1, Scene 4?

  The starless sky echoes Duncan's speech about stars shining on the deserving, highlighting Macbeth's undeserving nature
• What does Macbeth promise Banquo if he supports him?

  He promises to "honour" him
• How does Banquo respond to Macbeth's promise?

  He says he will only help if he can keep his "allegiance clear"
• What does Banquo's response reveal about his character compared to Macbeth?

  It shows that Banquo is more moral than Macbeth
• What do Banquo's "cursed thoughts" and mention of the Witches suggest?

  They hint that he may be considering acting on the prophecies
• What themes are present in Macbeth's soliloquy?

  The theme of the supernatural is present, with mentions of "witchcraft", "Hecate's offerings", and "a ghost"
• How does Macbeth's vision of the dagger relate to his mental state?

  It is unclear if the dagger is leading him to commit murder or warning him against it
• What significant action does Macbeth take in Scene 2?

  Macbeth commits his first murder.
• Why is Lady Macbeth startled by every noise while waiting for Macbeth?

  She is anxious about the murder and its consequences.
• What does Lady Macbeth's inability to kill Duncan suggest about her character?

  It suggests that she isn't as merciless as she appears.
• How does the offstage murder affect the audience's perception of the event?

  It increases suspense and makes the killing more horrific through imagination.
• What does Macbeth doubt will clean the blood off his hands?

  "Neptune's ocean."
• What does Macbeth's statement about "murdering sleep" symbolize?

  It symbolizes his guilt and loss of peace.
• How does Lady Macbeth's reaction to her bloody hands foreshadow her behavior in Act 5?

  It foreshadows her frenzied hand washing due to guilt.
• What does Macbeth's feeling of having "murdered sleep" imply about his mental state?

  It implies he is wracked with guilt and anxiety.
• What references to insanity are made in this scene?

  Lady Macbeth mentions Macbeth going "mad" and being "brain-sickly."
• How do the stage directions contribute to the tension in this scene?

  They include a repetition of a knocking sound, creating urgency.
• What does the knocking sound in the stage directions symbolize in relation to Macbeth's feelings?

  It symbolizes his fear and guilt, echoing his pounding heart.