Act 2, Scene 1: Banquo and his son Fleance walk in the castle courtyard at night, and Macbeth meets

them, revealing his inner

turmoil and plo ng the murder of King Duncan.
Brief comment: This scene reveals Macbeth's inner conflict as he struggles with his conscience and his desire for power.
Key quota ons:
"Is this a dagger which I see before me,/ The handle toward my hand?" (Lines 33-34)
"Whose howl's his watch, thus with his stealthy pace.../ Light thickens, and the crow/ Makes wing to th' rooky wood." (Lines 47-50)
"I go, and it is done; the bell invites me./ Hear it not, Duncan, for it is a knell/ That summons thee to heaven or to hell." (Lines
62-64)
Analysis: The first quote shows Macbeth's hallucina on of a dagger, which suggests his growing insanity and foreshadows the
murder he is about to commit. The second quote sets the scene for the murder, as the night becomes darker and the atmosphere
becomes more ominous. The third quote shows Macbeth's decision to go through with the murder and his acknowledgement that
it will have grave consequences.
Outside of the play, the scene reflects the idea that power can corrupt even the most noble of individuals and that ambi on can
lead to tragic consequences. It also highlights the danger of allowing one's inner demons to take over, as Macbeth becomes
increasingly consumed by guilt and madness.

Act 2, Scene 2: Macbeth kills King Duncan in his sleep.

Brief comment: This scene marks a significant turning point in the play, as Macbeth's ambi on drives him to commit regicide and
he becomes consumed by guilt and paranoia.
Key quota ons:
"Methought I heard a voice cry 'Sleep no more!/ Macbeth does murder sleep,' the innocent sleep" (Lines 34-35)
"Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood/ Clean from my hand?" (Lines 59-60)
"Macbeth shall sleep no more" (Line 55)
Analysis: The first quote reflects Macbeth's inner turmoil and guilt as he realizes the gravity of his crime and how it will haunt him.
The second quote highlights his despera on to rid himself of the guilt and the impossibility of doing so, indica ng the inescapable
nature of his ac ons. The third quote represents the moment when Macbeth realizes the full extent of his crime and how it will
con nue to haunt him.
Outside of the play, the scene reflects the idea that power corrupts and that ambi on can lead individuals to commit horrific acts.
It also comments on the psychological toll that guilt and paranoia can have on an individual, highligh ng the importance of
morality and ethical behavior.

Act 2, Scene 3: Macbeth has just murdered King Duncan and his chamberlains in their sleep. Macduff discovers the crime and
raises the alarm.
Brief comment: This scene marks the discovery of the murder and the beginning of Macbeth's downfall.
Key quota ons:
"Confusion now hath made his masterpiece." (Line 68)
"Oh, gentle lady,/'Tis not for you to hear what I can speak:/The repe on, in a woman's ear,/Would murder as it fell." (Lines 92-95)
"O, yet I do repent me of my fury,/That I did kill them." (Lines 107-108)
Analysis: The first quote reflects the chaos and disorder that Macbeth has unleashed upon Scotland with his crime. The second
quote highlights Lady Macbeth's vulnerability and the guilt she will feel for her role in the murder. The third quote shows
Macbeth's growing sense of remorse and regret for his ac ons, though it is too late to turn back.
Outside of the play, the scene underscores the importance of order and jus ce in society. It also highlights the destruc ve power
of unchecked ambi on and the consequences of ac ons taken in the name of power.

Act 2, Scene 4: Ross and an old man discuss the strange events that have been occurring since Duncan's murder.
Brief comment: This scene serves as a commentary on the societal impact of Macbeth's ac ons and foreshadows the
consequences that will come.
Key quota ons:
"And yet dark night strangles the travelling lamp" (Line 6)
"By th' clock ' s day,/ And yet dark night strangles the travelling lamp" (Lines 8-9)
"'Tis unnatural,/ Even like the deed that's done." (Line 12)
Analysis: The first quote highlights the unnatural darkness that has descended on the kingdom since Duncan's murder. The second
quote emphasizes the contrast between the unnatural darkness and the natural daylight, further underscoring the unse ling
nature of the events. The third quote shows the characters recognizing that the murder of the king is an unnatural and heinous act
that goes against the natural order of things.
Outside of the play, this scene reflects the societal impact of violence and corrup on. It shows that ac ons taken by individuals can
have far-reaching consequences that affect en re communi es. It also serves as a warning about the dangers of disrup ng the
natural order of things and the consequences that can arise from doing so.