Act 2 Act 2

Scene 1Scene 1

MACBETH

By Julia Noel, Samantha Farrell, Matthew Stanley, Dylan Roach, and Kyra Fowler

The scene begins with Banquo and

Fleance talking. Macbeth enters the scene. Banquo mentions the three witches without giving his suspicions to Fleance. Macbeth implies what his plan may be, asking for Banquo’s support.

Summary of Scene

Knowing that Banquo will keep

quiet, Macbeth remains behind as Banquo and Fleance retire for the night. Macbeth is, at this point, set on his plan to kill King Duncan. He imagines a dagger in the air, a hallucination.

Summary of Scene (continued)

At the sounding of the bell,

Macbeth ends the scene telling Duncan to remain asleep because it is his funeral bell. Before long, Macbeth will send him to heaven or hell.

Summary of Scene (continued)

The scene is important to the plot

because: 1) By seeing Fleance, Macbeth is

reminded that his job will not be done just after having killed King Duncan.

2) In order for Macbeth to become King, as prophesized by the three witches, Duncan must die.

Purpose of the Scene

3) It shows the effect this

plan is having on Macbeth’s state of mind.

4) Banquo discretely agrees to tell no one of what Macbeth intends to do.

Purpose of Scene (continued)

It creates an atmosphere of stress

and tension because the scene shows the short time immediately preceding the murder of King Duncan

The scene develops the theme of Heaven and Hell as well as the motifs of Darkness and Sleep

Purpose of Scene (continued)

Imagery: The image of the

dagger “Art thou not, fatal vision, sensible.” (II.i.43) He sees this dagger as an ominous, prophetic vision leading him to do the deed of killing Duncan.

How does it fulfill its purpose?

Soliloquy: Macbeth reveals his

thoughts on the murder of Duncan. He makes reference to the dagger saying: “Pale Hecate’s offerings; and wither’d murder.” (II.i.59) The witches prophecies lead Macbeth to murder, personified as a ghostlike figure.

How does it fulfill its purpose? (continued)

“With Tarquin’s ravishing

strides, towards his design.” (II.i.62) Macbeth is saying he moves towards his murder as Tarquin, a roman king, did.

How does it fulfill its purpose? (continued)

Allusion: Uses the

historical allusion of Tarquin (roman history) as well as the mythological allusion to Hecate.

How does it fulfill its purpose? (continued)

Theme: “I go, and it is done; the bell

invites me.Hear it not, Duncan, for it is a knellThat summons thee to heaven, or to

hell.” (II.i.69-71) Macbeth tells King Duncan that his funeral

bell is ringing and he is going to die, going to either Heaven or Hell. This takes part in the theme of Heaven and Hell.

How does it fulfill its purpose? (continued)