| Macbeth Act II 1. Up to this point Banquo, unlike Macbeth, has represented honesty, integrity, and order. What further light on Banquo is shed by each of these passages? a. The four lines beginning, �A heavy summons lies like lead upon me�.� (Scene I, lines 7-10) b. That part of the dialogue with Macbeth, Scene 1, lines 24-36. (What offer does Macbeth seem to make? Would Banquo�s response be encouraging or discouraging to him?) 2. How do you explain the appearance of the dagger apparition, in terms of Macbeth�s psychology as you know it? Comment on such specific details of that apparition as seem especially significant and revealing to you. 3. How would you describe Lady Macbeth�s state of mind as she awaits the outcome of the murder attempt? What is revealing in her statement, �Had he not resembled / My father as he slept, I had done �t�? (Scene 2, lines 13-14) 4. Compare the attitudes of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth when he returns from the murder chamber and explains what happened. Consider these questions: a. What is significant about Macbeth�s preoccupation with the word �Amen�? b. What is Macbeth implying about himself in his remarks about sleep? (Scene 2, lines 43-52) c. What part of the murder plan did Macbeth fail o carry out? Why does he refuse to remedy the omission? d. Reread Macbeth�s lines beginning, �What hands are here?� (Scene 2, lines 71-75) What qualities of Macbeth already noted do we observe in these lines? What is he saying about his future? e. How would you describe the role Lady Macbeth plays in response to all of the above reactions and statements of Macbeth? In light of all you know about her, what comment would you make on the fact that she must play such a role? 5. Observe the language in which Macduff expresses his feelings on the discovery of Duncan�s murder. (Scene 3, lines 69-88) How does his language prophetically express the contrast between Scotland as it was under Duncan and as it will be as a result of Macbeth�s evil act? 6. Consider the actions and words of each of the following characters as the murder is discovered and announced. (Scene 3) Do these reactions seem to promise success for Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, or do they portend difficulties? a. Macbeth himself. b. Lady Macbeth. (Why do you suppose she faints when she does?) c. Macduff. (What might be implied by his question to Macbeth, Scene 3, line 123, �Wherefore did you so?�) d. Banquo. e. Malcolm and Donalbain. 7. In light of the play�s development, what purpose is served by the conversation between the Old Man and Ross at the beginning of Scene 4? 8. What is significant about Macduff�s statement that he will not go to Scone? |