William Shakespeares MACBETH Act 2 Scene 1 By

William Shakespeare’s MACBETH Act 2 Scene 1 By Julia Noel, Samantha Farrell, Matthew Stanley, Dylan Roach, and Kyra Fowler

Summary of Scene The scene begins with Banquo and Fleance talking. Macbeth enters the scene. Banquo mentions the three witches without giving his suspicions to Fleance. Macbeth implies what his plan may be, asking for Banquo’s support.

Summary of Scene (continued) Knowing that Banquo will keep quiet, Macbeth remains behind as Banquo and Fleance retire for the night. Macbeth is, at this point, set on his plan to kill King Duncan. He imagines a dagger in the air, a hallucination.

Summary of Scene (continued) At the sounding of the bell, Macbeth ends the scene telling Duncan to remain asleep because it is his funeral bell. Before long, Macbeth will send him to heaven or hell.

Purpose of the Scene The scene is important to the plot because: 1) By seeing Fleance, Macbeth is reminded that his job will not be done just after having killed King Duncan. 2) In order for Macbeth to become King, as prophesized by the three witches, Duncan must die.

Purpose of Scene (continued) 3) It shows the effect this plan is having on Macbeth’s state of mind. 4) Banquo discretely agrees to tell no one of what Macbeth intends to do.

Purpose of Scene (continued) It creates an atmosphere of stress and tension because the scene shows the short time immediately preceding the murder of King Duncan The scene develops theme of Heaven and Hell as well as the motifs of Darkness and Sleep

How does it fulfill its purpose? Imagery: The image of the dagger “Art thou not, fatal vision, sensible. ” (II. i. 43) He sees this dagger as an ominous, prophetic vision leading him to do the deed of killing Duncan.

How does it fulfill its purpose? (continued) Soliloquy: Macbeth reveals his thoughts on the murder of Duncan. He makes reference to the dagger saying: “Pale Hecate’s offerings; and wither’d murder. ” (II. i. 59) The witches prophecies lead Macbeth to murder, personified as a ghostlike figure.

How does it fulfill its purpose? (continued) “With Tarquin’s ravishing strides, towards his design. ” (II. i. 62) Macbeth is saying he moves towards his murder as Tarquin, a roman king, did.

How does it fulfill its purpose? (continued) Allusion: Uses the historical allusion of Tarquin (roman history) as well as the mythological allusion to Hecate.

How does it fulfill its purpose? (continued) Theme: “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. ” (II. i. 69 -71) Macbeth tells King Duncan that his funeral bell is ringing and he is going to die, going to either Heaven or Hell. This takes part in theme of Heaven and Hell.