Macbeth Act 2 Questions for study

Scene 1:

1. What "cursed thoughts" does Banquo have?

2. What lie does Macbeth tell Banquo?

3. What is the meaning of Banquo's answer to Macbeth's comment that ends in "it shall make favour for you"?

4. What causes Macbeth to think he sees a dagger?

5. At the end of scene 1, a bell rings. What do you think is the significance of this?

Scene 2:

6. What omen of death does Lady Macbeth hear?

7. What reason does Lady Macbeth give for not committing the murder herself?

8. What words about himself does Macbeth belive he hears? (lines 47-48 & 54-56)

9. How did Macbeth mismanage the murder?

10. Both Macbeth and his lady comment on the effectiveness of water in cleansing away their involvement in the deed. How do they differ?

Scene 3:

11. Why has Macduff come to Macbeth's castle?

12. What unusual things happened to Macduff and lennox during the night?

13. Who discoveres the murder?

14. Why does Macbeth say he killed the king's men? What possible reason may he actually had?

15. Why does Lady Macbeth faint?

16. In lines 159-171, what actions do Malcolm and Donalbain take? What reasons do they give for a hasty escape?

Scene 4:

17. In lines 5-25, Ross and the Old Man discuss the strange unnatural events that have occurred. What are they?

18. Who do the public believe are responsible for the murder of King Duncan?

19. Who has been named king?

20. What reason does Macduff imply is his for not attending Macbeth's coronation?

21. Name two characters so far who have shown they are suspicious of Macbeth's rapid ascent to the throne.