Shakespearean Tragedy - Macbeth

These study questions will help you understand the play. If you can understand what they are asking, and can figure out the answers, you will do well on Tuesday's test. Try the games posted below the questions - they are great for review!

ACT II, scene i:

1. How is the night described in the opening lines? What does it cause Banquo to think about? Why can't he sleep?

2. What does Macbeth want to talk to Banquo about? What does he say he will ask of Banquo when the right time comes?

3. How does Banquo respond? With whom will he keep his allegiance?

4. What does the imaginary daggar betray about Macbeth's character? his feelings about the regicide? What do the words "the heat-oppressed brain" reveal about Macbeth?

ACT II, scene ii:

1. What sound does Lady Macbeth hear? What is her reaction to it? What is the TONE of the scene, as indicated by her actions and words?

2. Who resembled her "father as he slept"? What couldn't she do?

3. What couldn't Macbeth say (line 30)? How does he appear to feel about what he has done? What condemnation of himself does Macbeth "imagine" he heard?

4. Why is SLEEP so important to man, according to Macbeth? What happens when people don't sleep?

5. What mistake has Macbeth made at the murder scene? How does Lady Macbeth try to remedy it? Is her idea logical?

6. What imagery does Macbeth employ to describe the washing of blood off his hands?

7. What is Lady Macbeth's attitude towards her husband's pangs of conscience?

8. What does Macbeth say about knowing his deed that concludes the scene?

ACT II, scene iii:

1. What is the effect and purpose of the porter scene?

2. Paraphrase the porter's famous answer to Macduff's question, "What three things does drink especially provoke?"

3. In lines 46-53, how does Lennox describe the meterological phenonena of the previous evening? What did these kinds of events suggest?

4. Why does Macduff call Duncan "The Lord's annointed temple"? (line 60) To what view of kingship did these Scots seemingly hold? Is Shakespeare depicting historical truth in this or affirming the concept of the monarchy in his own time?

5. How do Macbeth and Lady Macbeth publicly respond to news of the assassination? What is the effect of Macbeth's eloquence in lines 83-88? Any irony?

6. How does Macbeth explain his murder of the drunken, bloodied guards?

7. What plans do Malcolm and Donalbain sketch for each other's safety?

ACT II, scene iv:

1. Ross says, "Thou seest the heavens, as troubled with man's act." What does this suggest about the relationship between man and nature?

2. Who, according to Macduff, is suspected of the murder and why?

3. What is hinted at by Macduff's posturing in this scene about who he thinks is the real culprit? How is it suggested? By which of his lines?

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