MacBeth Act II
Name the 3 titles the witches give Macbeth.
Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, King
What do the witches prophesize for Banquo? How does Banquo react to the witches prophecy?
Lesser than Macbeth and greater
Not so happy, yet much happier
Banquo's sons will be named king but he will never be king. Banquo is skeptical and does not readily believe the witches.
The name of Macbeth's Castle
Castle of Inverness
Define dramatic irony.
Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows something that the characters don't
What happens to the former Thane of Cawdor?
He is sentenced to death for treason.
Macdonwald
Who is the new Prince of Cumberland?
Malcolm
What is an aside?
An aside is a statement made by a character in a play intended to be heard by the audience but not by the other characters on stage.
What is Lady Macbeth's true opinion of her husband Macbeth?
He is not a true man and doesn't have the mind to commit this murder to seize the throne
In Act 1, Scene 2 there is a brief summary of the ongoing battle between two countries. What are the names of the two countries?
Scotland vs. Norway
Who is knocking at the South Gate at the beginning of Act 2 Scene 3?
Lennox and Macduff are there to retrieve the king and escort him back to his castle.
Fill in the blank: "Is this a _____ which I see before me?"
dagger
Macbeth says "this" will be his downfall.
Name the 4 reasons why Macbeth believes he shouldn't commit this murder
What is violence causes more violence, he is the king's kinsman, host, and the king is a humble leader
What excuse does MacBeth give for killing the guards after they murdered Duncan?
His violent love outran his hesitant reason. He was in the moment.
What does Lady Macbeth mean when she states "Come you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here, And fill me from the crown to the toe top-full of direst cruelty."
She is calling on evil spirits to remove the natural tenderness of her womanly nature. She asks for cruelty, a lack of remorse, and determination in order to carry out the deed for her husband to seize the throne.
How does Shakespeare build dramatic irony in Act 1, scene 6
Hint: What happens in Scene 5...? How does Lady Macbeth act in Scene 6?
MacBeth and Lady Macbeth have come up with a plan to kill the king and frame the guards. Yet, they cannot appear devious so Lady Macbeth welcomes the king graciously. She expresses her gratitude and loyalty to the king. ALSO, The king says that this is a pleasant castle with "sweet and clear air". But WE know Macbeth's plans to kill the king so it is ironic that the king calls the air sweet and appeals to him.
How is the theme fair is foul and foul is fair" presented in this play. Provide a specific example...
Answers may vary:
- The message of the witches is fair to Macbeth but foul to Banquo. Although he is told that his sons would be king, Banquo is able to see through the witches enticing lies and warns Macbeth to be careful.
- Macbeth and his wife are the ones who highlight this theme the most. Although he starts out as a loyal general to the king, he agrees to betray his king and murder him for the throne. Lady Macbeth tells Macbeth to "look like the innocent flower/ But be the serpent under't" act fair in front of the guests but be foul in order to achieve their ambitious goal.