MAcbeth Act II Study Questions

Macbeth
Act II
Guided Reading Questions
Act II, Scene 1

 Describe the atmosphere in this scene.
 Macbeth lies to Banquo in this scene. What lie does he tell, and why does he tell it?
 What is the signal that it is time to commit the murder?
 What does Macbeth hallucinate in the soliloquy in this scene?
 What does he contemplate in his soliloquy?

Act II, Scene 2

 Why doesn’t Lady Macbeth kill Duncan herself? IRONY???
 What does BLOOD symbolize in this play?
 After the murder, Macbeth claims to hear voices. Are they real, or are they something
else? What do the voices say?
 What is the BIGGEST difference between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth that becomes
apparent in this scene?

Act II, Scene 3

 What is the irony in the Porter’s description of his job?
 Who is first person to discover Duncan’s body?
 Who witnesses Macbeth’s murder of the guards?
 Why does he claim to kill the guards? What is the REAL reason why he kills them?
 Where do Malcolm and Donalbain plan to flee? Why do they feel they need to leave?

Act II, Scene 4

 Describe the events and the weather the night of Duncan’s murder.
 What news does Macduff report from the meeting inside the castle?
 What is unusual about Macduff’s decision concerning Macbeth’s coronation? How will
Macbeth react to his decision?
 At the end of Act II, which characters are questioning the guilt of the guards in
Duncan’s murder?
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