Macbeth

Act 2 scene 2 - Aftermath of the Crime

How does Shakespeare create a sense of tension?

The shrieks of owls and the cries of crickets, both evil omens, pierce the air as Macbeth narrates to her the gruesome details of the murder. He tells his wife that Donalbain cried "Murder!" and that Malcolm laughed in his sleep while Macbeth killed Duncan, but they both said their prayers again and went back to sleep. Macbeth also tells his wife that he was unable to bless himself when he "had most need of blessing." (Act 2, Scene 2, Line 31) He thinks that he heard a voice saying, "Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep." (Act 2, Scene 2, Lines 34-5) From this point on in the play, neither Macbeth nor his wife are able to have a good night's rest as they are plagued by the memories of their ghastly crime.

Suddenly, Lady Macbeth notices that her husband's hands are covered in blood and that he is still clutching the telltale dagger. She orders him to wash up and hide all incriminating evidence. Macbeth, however, is incapable of doing anything because he is in a state of shock, so Lady Macbeth is forced to take over.

How would actors say the lines (which words to emphasize)

What are some differences between Lady M. And Macbeth

Macbeth is very regretful and distracted, he can't think straight. Lady Macbeth is focused and rational, however she needs to drink in order to make her 'bold' when her husband commits his crime. So she is less genuine in her strength, she is not independent. Macbeth is more moral and he is stressed out about the smallest thing, such as being able to say "amen", while lady Macbeth thinks nothing of it.

Is lady Macbeths faint fake or genuine?

Her faint is fake, she wants to divert attention and continue to convince others that she did not have a part in the murder. Lady Macbeth is smart, and strong. If she was acutlly going to faint for any reason she probably would have fainted when she was drunk and worried if Macbeth succeeded or not. Duncan's murder is not shocking to her when she hears of it, obviously because she schemed it, and therefore its unlikely that her faint is genuine. Shakespeare also never mentions directly that she faints; perhaps she simply feels weak or pretends to be nauseous, and needs help.

There is a possibility that the sudden publicity of the crime, and her lack of confidence in the way it was concealed, causes her to faint with worry and fear that Macbeth will be discovered as the murderer.

Macbeth and the Murders

how does he order ideas

analogys/what is he saying

Macbeth speaks a lot to the murderers, he speaks honestly and begins by gaining their confidence, he makes sure that they do not believe in the idea of "love thy enemy". Eventually he lets them know that Banquo is their enemy, and he is the reason they are so poor. Macbeth will also praise them if they help get rid of Banquo.

Act 3 Scene 6 - Macbeth found Guilty

New developments?

Lennox and the other lords are becoming very suspicious of Macbeth. They notice that everyone who has come into contact with him is either dead or disappeared - Fleance, Banquo, Duncan, Macduff, Malcolm, and Donalbain. We find out that Macduff has gone to England to ask Malcolm and Edward and Siward (Earl of Northumberland) for help in overthrowing Macbeth. Lennox hopes that they will be strong enough to get rid of this "tyrant" Macbeth.

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