Name
Date
Period

Macbeth
Act 2 Questions

1. Act 2: In scene 1, what literary technique is employed when Banquo says he has dreamed of the three witches?

2. In his famous dagger soliloquy (ll. 33-61), Macbeth speaks of the “heat-oppressed brain.” Why would his brain be feverish at this time?

3. For the behavior of a character to be believable, the reasons behind it -- the motivation -- must be clear. What quality in Macbeth develops into such strong motivation that Duncan’s murder becomes a necessity?

4. In scene 2, why does Lady Macbeth take the daggers from Macbeth?

5. Throughout Act 2 the setting is dark and murky; unnatural phenomena accompany Duncan’s murder. What strange events are described in Scene iv?

6. Who discovers the corpse of Duncan?

7. Why do Malcolm and Donalbain become suspects in the murder of Duncan?

8. How did Duncan’s horses reportedly act after the murder of their master?

9. Why has Macbeth traveled to Scone at the end of Act 2?

10. Of what area is Macduff thane?