Act 2 Scene 1

• What happens in Act 2 Scene 1 in Macbeth?

  Macbeth hallucinates a dagger leading to Duncans room. Banquo tells Macbeth how high the king thinks of him and give a diamond for Lady Macbeth. Macbeth tells Banquo to side with him, however, Banquo says he will only act honourably.
• What does it mean when Banquo says, 'There's husbandry in heaven; Their candles are all out'?

  There are no stars which suggests evil is taking over, this foreshadows the cruelty to come.
• What does it mean when Banquo says, 'Restrain in me the cursed thoughts that nature Gives way to in repose'?

  This shows B (Banquo) doesn't want to be tempted by power and he won't give in, 'Greater than Macbeth'.
• What does it mean when Macbeth says, 'If you shall cleave to my consent, when 'tis, It shall make honour for you'?

  This is M trying to persuade B to be evil and to get some power.
• What does it mean when Macbeth says, 'Is this a dagger which I see before me, The handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee'?

  1. Uses a lack of choice as an excuse.
  2. soliloquy (Inner thoughts out loud).
  3. 'Let me clutch thee' Power, Determination, Greed?
• What does it mean when M says, 'Proceeding from the heat-oppressed brain'?

  M is aware of the fact the dagger isn't real; its corrupting and tempting him.
• What does it mean when M says, 'thy blade and dudgeon gouts of blood'?

  1. 'gouts of blood' shows how violent Duncans death is.
  2. Macbeth doesn't realise how violent of an act he's about to commit.
• What does it mean when M says, 'Witchcraft celebrates Pale Hecate's offerings'?

  The witches are happy because Macbeth has acted against God. They feel as if they've won the battle for Macbeths mind/soul.
• What does it mean when M says, 'Tarquin's ravishing strides'?

  This shows M is evil and trying to take over everything.
• What does it mean when Macbeth says, 'Hear it not, Duncan; for it is a knell That summons thee to heaven or to hell'?

  Macbeth is referring to the sound of the bell as a death knell, signalling Duncan's impending death and the uncertainty of his fate in the afterlife. M is scared to kill D and is trying to convince himself D could be cruel.