Act 2 scene 1

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

  Banquo and his son Fleance
• Why are Banquo and Fleance uneasy during the night's watch?

  They feel a sense of foreboding and unease.
• What does Banquo mention to Macbeth when he sees him?

  He mentions that the king is asleep and that he had a dream about the witches.
• How does Macbeth respond to Banquo's mention of the witches?


  Macbeth claims that he has not given them much thought.
• What does Macbeth reflect on once he is alone?

  He reflects on his plan, sleep, death, and evil deeds.
• What does Macbeth see that causes him to hesitate?

  A vision of a dagger.
• How does Macbeth perceive the dagger he sees?

  He first sees it as a vision, then as a real weapon.
• What does Macbeth say when he sees the dagger?


  "Is this a dagger which I see before me, the handle toward my hand?"
• What event does Macbeth move on to after being startled by a bell?

  He moves on to kill Duncan.
• What theme is highlighted in the conversation between Banquo and Fleance?

  The theme of bad omens and ill feelings about what is to come.
• How does Shakespeare use dramatic irony in this scene?

  Banquo is startled by Macbeth but does not know the audience's knowledge of Macbeth's intentions.
• How has Macbeth's character evolved by this point in the play?

  He has evolved from an honorable character to a deceitful one.
• What provokes Macbeth's moment of hesitation when he is alone?

  His conscience provokes another moment of hesitation.
• What is unclear to Macbeth regarding the vision of the dagger?

  Whether it is a supernatural influence or his guilty conscience.
• What does the vision of the dagger foreshadow in Macbeth's future?

  The madness that will haunt Macbeth after the murder.