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A.P. English Lit
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MACBETH WORKSHEET – #3
Questions on Act Two
Directions: The purpose of this worksheet is to reinforce what you’ve already read and what we’ve
discussed in class. Complete each response fully and thoughtfully. Some questions are purely about
comprehension; others ask you for analysis and/or interpretation.
Act 2, Scene I
1. What is keeping Banquo from sleeping?
2. What is significant about Macbeth’s saying, “I think not of them,” after Banquo had admitted to
dreaming about the Weird Sisters?
3. What does Macbeth mean when he says to Banquo, “If you shall cleave to my consent, when ’ tis, / It
shall make honor for you”? And what is significant about Banquo’s reply?
4. What do you think accounts for Macbeth’s vision of the bloody dagger apparition? (Hint: This is
important.)
Act 2, Scene II
5. Compare Macbeth’s and Lady Macbeth’s reactions immediately after the murder. How do they differ?
6. Macbeth, apparently troubled by the murder he has just committed, tells Lady Macbeth what he saw
and heard. She tells him, “These deeds must not be thought of this way.” Why?
7. Macbeth’s response is frequently quoted. What does Macbeth mean when he says, “Sleep no more”
and “Macbeth hath murdered sleep”?
Act 2, Scene III
8. The Porter’s scene, or the “knocking at the gate,” is a much debated scene by scholars, but many agree
it is the typical comic relief scene seen in Shakespeare’s plays. What do you suppose the dramatic purpose
of a comic relief scene is? Why is the Porter’s soliloquy in prose rather than poetry?
9. What does Shakespeare accomplish with Macduff’s allusion to “a new Gorgon”? What does it
reference, and why does Macduff say this?
10. How does Macbeth react to the discovery of Duncan’s body?
11. How does Lady Macbeth react?
12. Who is the one who points out the inappropriateness of Lady Macbeth’ s initial response? What does
he say in response to her? (Quote him.)
13. How is Duncan’s body described (quote!) What is the predominant image in this scene, and what
effect does it create?
14. What double meaning might Shakespeare have intended for Macbeth’s line, “He does: he did appoint
so,” in response to Lennox’s asking, “Goes the King hence today?”
Act 2, Scene IV
15. How is Macduff ’s dislike and distrust of Macbeth established in this scene?
16. What additional natural, or “unnatural,” events further the “crime against nature” theme? (Murder
here is the crime against nature.) In other words, what remarkable goings-on occur between animals
17. Why is it that Macbeth succeeds Duncan as King of Scotland? Where does the coronation ceremony
take place?
END