MacBeth, Act 2 - scene 2 and 3

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• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 6

MacBeth, Act 2 - scene 2 and 3

How does Lady Macbeth react to Macbeth’s murder of Duncan? What does this reveal about her character?

Macbeth says he hears a voice cry, "Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep." What does this mean? How does it foreshadow later events?

Why is Macbeth unable to say “Amen” when he hears the prayers? What does this suggest about his state of mind?

What is the significance of the blood on Macbeth’s hands? How does Lady Macbeth reassure him?

Lady Macbeth takes the daggers back to the crime scene. What does this suggest about her role in the murder?

How does the drunken porter’s speech about the effects of alcohol serve as comic relief? Why might Shakespeare have included this scene?

How does Macduff react to the discovery of Duncan’s murder? How does his reaction compare to Macbeth’s?

Why does Macbeth kill Duncan’s guards? What justification does he give, and what might be his real reason?

How do Duncan’s sons, Malcolm and Donalbain, respond to their father’s death? Why do they decide to flee?

How does this scene set up suspicion and tension for the rest of the play? Who do the characters suspect, and who is truly responsible? (This final question will be discussed in class).