Act 2: Macbeth Reading Comprehension Questions

Name ___________________________ Per ______ Date _____________ Act 2 Scene I 1. What does Macbeth ask of Banquo at the beginning of Act 2? (i, 25-26) At the beginning of Act 2, Macbeth asks Banquo to go to bed because Banquo is keeping him from sleeping 2. Summarize what Macbeth explains in his soliloquy. (i, 33-64) In his soliloquy, Macbeth expresses his inner turmoil and guilt over contemplating the murder of Duncan. He sees a vision of a dagger leading him to Duncan's chamber and wrestles with his conscience about whether to proceed with the deed Scene II 3. Who does Lady Macbeth believe has announced that death is occurring? (ii, 3-4) Lady Macbeth believes that the owl's screech is a signal that someone is being murdered 4. What does Lady MacBeth state stopped her from killing Duncan herself? (ii, 12-13) Lady Macbeth states that Duncan resembled her father as he slept, which stopped her from killing him herself 5. How does Macbeth feel after committing the murder and what does he proclaim he could not do? (ii, 26-64) After committing the murder, Macbeth feels a mixture of guilt, paranoia, and horror. He proclaims that he could not say "Amen" when he heard someone praying because he was too consumed with guilt 6. What does Macbeth wish the knocking could do? (ii, 73-74) Macbeth wishes the knocking could awaken Duncan from death Scene III 7. What does the Porter pretend to be the gatekeeper of? (iii, 1-18) How is this symbolic? The Porter pretends to be the gatekeeper of hell, which is symbolic because it reflects the chaotic and hellish events that are unfolding within Macbeth's castle 8. Based on his response to Macduff’s question about drinking, what other purpose does the Porter seem to serve in this play? (iii, 24-31) The Porter serves to inject a moment of dark humor into the play, providing comic relief amidst the tension. His response to Macduff's question about drinking also reveals his function as a symbol of the consequences of excessive drinking and its numbing effect on the senses 9. What is the first reaction to the King's death and who's is it? (iii, 64-65) The first reaction to the King's death is Macbeth's pretense of shock and grief Name ___________________________ Per ______ Date _____________ 10. What does Macbeth do to the supposed murderers and why? (iii, 116-129) Macbeth kills the supposed murderers out of a fit of rage and panic, fearing that they may reveal his guilt 11. What symbolism does Lady Macbeth’s fainting have, and how is it ironic? (iii, 130) Lady Macbeth's fainting symbolizes her inability to deal with the consequences of their actions and the guilt that begins to consume her. It is ironic because earlier in the play, she was the one who encouraged Macbeth to commit the murder without hesitation 12. Why do Malcolm and Donalbain decide to flee? (iii, 134-139, 153-165) Where do they decide to go? Malcolm and Donalbain decide to flee because they fear for their own safety, suspecting that whoever killed their father may come after them next. They decide to go to different locations: Malcolm to England and Donalbain to Ireland Scene IV 13. What unnatural things do Ross and the Old Man mention have happened since Duncan’s murder? (iv, 1-20) Ross and the Old Man mention that since Duncan's murder, there have been unnatural occurrences such as an eclipse, horses eating each other, and an owl killing a falcon 14. What does Macduff tell us about the current fortunes of Duncan’s sons and Macbeth? (iv, 24-32) Macduff tells us that Duncan's sons, Malcolm and Donalbain, have fled, which casts suspicion on them. He also mentions that Macbeth has been crowned king, further solidifying his grip on power 15. What is the meaning of the line, 'God's benison go with you, and with those that would make good of bad, and friends of foes!'? (iv, 40-41) The line "God's benison go with you, and with those that would make good of bad, and friends of foes!" essentially means blessings from God go with those who can turn bad situations into good and make friends out of enemies. It suggests a hope for reconciliation and redemption amidst the chaos and betrayal that have occurred