Macbeth act 2 study questions

I collaborated with the same group from act 1
2.1

1. What is the purpose of the opening of 2.1 (lines 1-9)? Notice the references to time (lines 1-3), and think about the other references to time so far in the play (1.1.1-5; 1.3.56, 146, and 152; 1.5.8 and 56-62; 1.7.51 and 81). What is the function of the discussion about the witches in 2.1.20-29?

Banquo and Fleance are a little anxious about the fact that the moon has not come up yet and that there are so little stars in the night sky. This helps the audience to understand that Duncan’s impending demise is nearing soon and not even the moon and stars want to come up and push time forward. Time is viewed as a ticking clock throughout this play whenever there is a major event about to happen. Many can relate to the ticking of a clock as one waits for a minute to pass or wishes that time would slow down. The discussion of the witches is foreshadowing the prophecy of the witches that will be fulfilled.

 2. Read Macbeth's soliloquy in 2.1.33-64 carefully. What is happening to him? How does he explain it? What will he do about it? Notice references to time in line59 and to deeds and done in lines 61-62.

Macbeth is feeling guilty about the murder he is about to commit so he is imagining the dagger that he will kill the king with. Macbeth understands that the dagger is not there but he describes it as being the wolf who howl’s his watch. The dagger is pointing him towards the way to go as if the witches put it there to guide him in a trance to murder the king because he would be able to do it with a fully aware conscience. Macbeth is rowing aware of his steps towards Duncan’s room as if he were a kid in a classroom listening to the ticking of a clock to get out of class. The bell beckons him like the wolf’s howl previously.

ACT II Study Questions

Collaboration

First come first serve - pick 2 each

Erica - 2.1 (#1, #2) ; Hikaru - 2.2 (#1, #2) ; Danielle - 2.4 (#1, #2)

  

Erica - 2.1

1. Scene II, Act I contains dialogues between Banquo and Fleance, walking at night with the torches casting shadows. Banquo states that he “would not sleep” as a result of a dream he has about the witches (stated in the earlier scene). He is in turmoil, wrought over by the fact that even in his dreams do the witches follow. Shakespeare refers to time, once again, this occasion to set the tone. It is mentioned that the time is past midnight, with nothing but the torches to keep light. There is a stillness in the air, tension that coils within Banquo (multiplied due to his haunted dreams) that the audience specifically catch when Banquo almost uses his sword on Macbeth. The flow of time is continuous, but the foreshadow of the death of a king, and the crowning of a wrongful successor, disrupts the flow of time. Time, is therefore, continuously referred to, during the play, with moments of disruption.
2. Macbeth, feeling self-reproach and ultimately gripped with guilt for his planned actions, hallucinates about a dagger. He thinks he sees a dagger “faced towards his hands,” but quickly realizes that it is “a false creation.” Lost in his mind, Macbeth speaks as if he is in a trance, talking about blood and daggers. He is eventually brought back to reality by the ringing of the bell.

Hikaru - 2.2

1. Lady Macbeth is seemingly confident with the plan, but has traces of doubt. She prepared the dagger and assumed that Macbeth is killing the king. Lady Macbeth could not kill Duncan because his sleeping figure reminded Lady Macbeth of her father.
2. Macbeth has actually killed Duncan. He worries about the blood on his hands and starts to feel guilty. Lady Macbeth responds in a negative tone, again. In line 46, Macbeth left the dagger in the room, which he wasn’t supposed to. Lady Macbeth goes instead to get it.

2.3

1. What does the porter pretend to be doing? Notice the emphasis on equivocation in this speech and in the following dialogue with Macduff. Equivocation was a doctrine espoused by Jesuits living secretly in England (and in danger of arrest, torture, and death) that allowed them to swear oaths with double meanings in order to preserve their lives while also maintaining their faith but that looked to their opponents very much like lying under oath. Equivocation had recently been much discussed because of the trials surrounding the Gunpowder Plot of November 1605, a Catholic attempt to blow up Parliament while the members and the King were present. Watch how the idea of equivocation functions in the play.

2. What is the thematic function of Lennox's conversation with Macbeth about the unruly night (lines 50-59). What is the theatrical function of the scene? Why doessomething need to be here?

3. What news does Macduff report at line 59? How do Macbeth and Lady Macbeth respond? What does Macbeth report in lines 103-104 that he did? What do Malcolm and Donalbain decide to do and why (lines 116-121 and 131-142)? Where will they go? What do they seem to expect will happen if they don't leave?

2.4

Danielle

1. The dialogue between the Old Man and Ross serves to show  the tension everyone feels about the murder of the king and the too quick coronation of Macbeth. We learn from Macduff that he doesn’t want to attend the coronation because he doesn’t trust the new king. Also, he thinks the two sons are suspicious. Macbeth has gone to Scone for his coronation. One of the recurring themes that show up is time.