Act 2

1.1

• the fact that Banquo, fleance and Macbeth are all on stage at the same time can be seen as symbolic. Firstly, all three have relevance to the witches prophesies. the fact that Banquo is at unrest seems to mirror the idea that he will be "not so happy but much happier" and this could imply that he is not as happy because of his situation (as Macbeth lies about not being troubled by the witches) yet is can be seen to be much happier as he has not got as bigger burden to bear.
• the language used in in Macbeth's soliloquy can be seen to have many connotations
• it can be implied that, Macbeth is hallucinating about a dagger; this could be viewed as prolepsis to the actual killing of Duncan. This is because of the line "a false creation"
• The word "marshaled" suggests warlike imagery which relates to the act of killing a person, in addition to Macbeth's war background. The word also relates to the idea that he is being controlled and ordered to commit the act. This could be from Lady Macbeth or the drive for ambition.
• Furthermore, the use of the bell is seen as a signal for Macbeth to commit the crime.

1.2

• During this scene there is continued interaction between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in a duologue.
• Macbeth fears that he will not be able to clean his hands of the blood. This could be a sign of intense guilt. "Will all of great neputunes ocean wash this blood clean from my hand?" shows both guilt and procratination

The Porter section of 1.3

• It can be seen that this section provides a comic interlude after two tense and violent scenes.
• The Porter also uses language which is more colloquial compared to the other characters. This therefore shows he is of a lower status
• Ironically predents to be the porter of hell without knowing of the acts of violence elsewhere in the castle.
• Throughout the Porters speaches, he refers to the effects of drink,this could be seen to refer to the fact that Ducan was drunk before he went to bed and ultimately murdered.

1.3

• It is during this scene that the other characters discover the murder of Duncan and blamed is placed upon the two guards, as they have bloodied daggers. (which were planted upon them by Lady Macbeth). Macbeth then kills the two guard in "repent me of my fury, that i did kill them"
• Lady Macbeth can also be seen as a Doppleganger, as she swoons when the murder is revealed.
• In the last few lines, the kings sons decide to flea to enemy countries to esacpe being murdered themselves. However, this places the blame upon them

1.4

• The characters in this scen are Ross, Old Man and Macduff.
• They discuss the fact that Macbeth shall become king
• Ross decides he will go to the cermony at the Scone
• Where as Macduff decides to return home to fife.