Macbeth - Plot Act 2 Study Guide

What is Macbeth's lie to Banquo about the witches' predictions?

When Macbeth says he doesn't think about them, he really does bc the witches told him he'll be king by killing Duncan.

What is the signal Lady Macbeth is to give Macbeth to let him know that she has taken care of theguards (grooms)?

She rings a bell.

What excuse does Lady Macbeth give for not killing Duncan herself?

Duncan looks much like her father when he sleeps. She loves her father and would not dare to kill him, even anything that looks like him.

After Macbeth kills Duncan, he goes to Lady Macbeth and is concerned about not being able to say "Amen." What is her advice to him?

She tells Macbeth not to think about the death so much, or it will make them crazy.

Then, Macbeth is worried about hearing a voice saying, "Macbeth does murder sleep." What does Lady Macbeth then tell him to do?

She tells Macbeth to get a drink of water and to wash "[the] filthy witness" off his hands (or blood).

Why won't Macbeth take the daggers back to the scene of the crime?

Macbeth felt guilty about what he had just done so he does place the daggers there. Also could not bear to look at Duncan again.

What three things does drinking provoke?

Nose-painting (broken bloody nose), sleep, and urine

How does Lennox describe the night, and what is Macbeth's response?

Lennox goes through a great description of the terrible night, saying it predicted terrible, confusing times ahead. Macbeth brushes it off by saying it was a rough night.

What did Macduff discover?

Duncan's body

Macduff says, "Oh, gentle lady, 'Tis not for you to hear what I can speak. The repetition, in a woman's ear, Would murder as it fell." What is ironic about this?

It is ironic because Lady Macbeth was part of King Duncan's killing. She is no "lady" but rather a sinner.

Why did Macbeth kill the guards?

So the guards would not be able to reveal any info about the crime or say they were innocent. Macbeth kills them bc he's overthinking about things ykyk

What excuse or explanation does Macbeth give for killing the guards to the others?

Macbeth claims he noticed the guards covered in Duncan's blood. Hence he became angry and killed all the guards due to the anger he felt about 'them killing the king.' B

Why do Malcolm and Donalbain leave?

They fear that they might be next to be killed or next to be blamed for the murder

Where does Malcolm go?

England

Where does Donalbain go?

Ireland

Why does Ross not believe that Malcolm and Donalbain are responsible for Duncan's death?

It made no sense that the sons would kill their father because they loved him very much.