Macbeth by William Shakespeare | Act 2, Scene 2 Summary & Analysis

Summary

In Act 2 Scene 2 of 'Macbeth,' Lady Macbeth's assertiveness contrasts with Macbeth's guilt-ridden conscience after the murder of King Duncan. She takes charge, cleaning up the aftermath and framing the guards. Macbeth's internal struggle intensifies as he hears voices predicting his doom, unable to find solace even in prayer. The scene highlights the couple's dynamic and foreshadows the tragic consequences of their actions.

Takeaways

• 🔪 Lady Macbeth expresses her readiness to commit murder, revealing her ruthlessness and ambition.
• 👥 Macbeth reveals to Lady Macbeth that he has killed Duncan, showing the completion of their treacherous plan.
• 🗣️ Macbeth hears a cry of 'murder' from another room, indicating the immediate aftermath and potential discovery of the crime.
• 🙏 Macbeth is unable to say 'Amen' with the men, suggesting his guilt and internal conflict.
• 🧼 Lady Macbeth instructs Macbeth to wash his hands, highlighting the need to erase physical evidence of the crime.
• 🗡️ Macbeth refuses to return to Duncan's room with the daggers, showing his reluctance and emotional turmoil.
• 🩸 Lady Macbeth's hands are bloody after cleaning up, symbolizing her direct involvement in the cover-up.
• 🚪 The knocking at the castle gate adds tension and urgency to the situation, potentially leading to discovery.
• 🛌 Lady Macbeth suggests they pretend to sleep, indicating a strategy to avoid suspicion.
• 💤 Macbeth expresses regret, wishing the knocking could awaken Duncan, showing his remorse and the irreversible nature of their actions.
• 🧐 Lady Macbeth's assertiveness contrasts with Macbeth's guilt, illustrating the dynamic between the two characters and their differing reactions to the murder.

Q & A

What does Lady Macbeth feel after the night's events in Act 2 Scene 2 of Macbeth?

Lady Macbeth feels emboldened and energized by the night's events.

Why would Lady Macbeth have killed King Duncan herself if given the chance?

She remarks that she would have killed Duncan herself if he didn't look so much like her father while sleeping.

What does Macbeth carry when he enters after the murder of Duncan?

Macbeth carries two daggers, and his hands are bloodied.

What did Macbeth hear after the murder that made him dwell on the act?

Macbeth heard men waking in another room, one of whom cried out 'murder,' but they then said a short prayer and fell back asleep.

Why couldn't Macbeth say 'Amen' with the men after their prayer?

Macbeth could not say 'Amen' because he felt he needed a blessing but was burdened by the murder.

What does Lady Macbeth advise Macbeth to do regarding his thoughts on the murder?

Lady Macbeth advises Macbeth not to think too much about the murder, or it will drive him mad.

Why does Lady Macbeth notice that Macbeth is still carrying the daggers?

She notices because Macbeth was supposed to leave the daggers with the guards to frame them for the murder.

What does Macbeth hear while Lady Macbeth is away that makes him worry about being discovered?

Macbeth hears the sound of knocking and worries about being discovered.

What does Lady Macbeth do when she returns from Duncan's room?

When Lady Macbeth returns, her hands are bloody, but she says her conscience is clean.

How does Lady Macbeth react to the continued knocking at the castle gate?

Lady Macbeth suggests that they should wash and get in bed to look as if they've been sleeping.

What does Macbeth express as a final note of regret?

Macbeth expresses regret, saying he wishes the knocking could wake Duncan.

How does Lady Macbeth's behavior contrast with traditional feminine roles?

Lady Macbeth rejects a traditional feminine role by plotting a murder, drinking with the guards, and cleaning up after Macbeth's botched cover-up.

What is the closest thing to femininity and goodness that Lady Macbeth displays?

The closest thing to femininity and goodness Lady Macbeth displays is her decision not to murder Duncan herself due to his resemblance to her own father.

How does Macbeth's behavior differ from Lady Macbeth's in terms of guilt and remorse?

Macbeth finds it difficult to hide his actions and is becoming more concerned with the state of his soul, feeling he needs a blessing and hearing voices condemning him and his family, while Lady Macbeth denies having any feelings of guilt.

What do the voices that Macbeth hears predict?

The voices that Macbeth hears predict the downfall that awaits him, though it is unclear whether these voices are supernatural, the products of his own guilt, or both.