Act 2 Analysis

Act 2 Overview

• Act 2 focuses on Macbeth's internal conflict and the immediate consequences of Duncan's murder.
• The atmosphere is dark and tense, with supernatural elements reinforcing the theme of guilt.
• Macbeth struggles with paranoia, while Lady Macbeth tries to remain in control.
• The theme of deception is heightened as Macbeth begins to hide his true nature.

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Scene 1: Macbeth's Hallucination

Summary: What Happens?

• Banquo and his son Fleance encounter Macbeth late at night.
• Banquo mentions the witches' prophecy, showing he is thinking about it.
• After Banquo leaves, Macbeth hallucinates a dagger floating in the air, leading him toward Duncan's chamber.

Key Themes

• Ambition vs. Morality – Macbeth's internal battle between desire and guilt.
• Supernatural Influence – The floating dagger suggests either witchcraft or Macbeth's disturbed mind.
• Fate vs. Free Will – Macbeth questions whether he is being led by destiny or making his own choices.

Key Quote

"Is this a dagger which I see before me, the handle toward my hand?" – Macbeth

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Scene 2: The Murder of Duncan

Summary: What Happens?

• Macbeth kills Duncan off-stage, returning with blood-stained hands and daggers.
• He is shaken and full of guilt, believing he heard voices condemning him.
• Lady Macbeth takes control, telling him to wash the blood from his hands.
• She places the daggers near the sleeping guards to frame them for the murder.

Key Themes

• Guilt and Paranoia – Macbeth is immediately haunted by what he has done.
• Power and Control – Lady Macbeth remains calm and takes charge of the situation.
• Appearance vs. Reality – The couple must hide their crime and pretend to be innocent.

Key Quote

"A little water clears us of this deed." – Lady Macbeth

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Scene 3: The Discovery of Duncan's Body

Summary: What Happens?

• A drunken porter provides comic relief before Macduff discovers Duncan's murder.
• Macbeth pretends to be shocked, then kills the king's guards in 'rage' to prevent them from speaking.
• Malcolm and Donalbain, Duncan's sons, flee Scotland, fearing they will be accused.

Key Themes

• Deception and Lies – Macbeth acts innocent while covering his crime.
• Suspicion and Paranoia – The noblemen begin to question events.
• Order vs. Chaos – Duncan's death throws Scotland into turmoil.

Key Quote

"Where we are, there's daggers in men's smiles." – Donalbain

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Scene 4: Scotland in Chaos

Summary: What Happens?

• Strange natural events occur, such as an eclipse and Duncan's horses eating each other.
• Macduff refuses to attend Macbeth's coronation, showing he is suspicious.
• The noblemen begin to question whether Duncan's sons are truly responsible for his murder.

Key Themes

• Nature and Disorder – The unnatural events reflect the disruption caused by Duncan's murder.
• Power and Kingship – Macbeth takes the throne, but his rule is already being doubted.
• Foreshadowing – Macduff's distrust hints at future conflict.

Key Quote

"Tis unnatural, even like the deed that's done." – Old Man

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Key Themes in Act 2

1. Guilt and Paranoia – Macbeth immediately begins to feel the weight of his crime.
2. Deception and Lies – Macbeth and Lady Macbeth must now maintain their façade.
3. The Supernatural – Macbeth's hallucination and the unnatural events suggest that fate is disturbed.
4. Power and Corruption – Macbeth has achieved his goal but is now consumed by fear.
5. The Fragility of Order – Duncan's death causes chaos and suspicion.

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Exam Tips

• Be able to identify key quotes and explain their significance.
• Understand how literary devices (imagery, irony, symbolism) contribute to meaning.
• Analyse how characters change, particularly Macbeth's descent into paranoia.
• Consider how Act 2 builds suspense and foreshadows later events.
• Structure essay responses clearly with introduction, body, and conclusion.

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