Act 2, Scene 3 – Duncan’s Body is Discovered
Macduff discovers Duncan’s body. Malcolm and Donalbain flee Scotland.
“Knock, knock, knock” – Character: The Porter
Repetition of ‘knock’. The Porter pretends to be the gate-keeper from hell. This
emphasises the evil things that happened in Macbeth’s castle. His comic monologue
relieves tension but also builds suspense.
“This night has been unruly” – Shakespeare’ Techniques
‘It was a very stormy night’. This emphasise the death of Duncan which is compared to
Jesus’ death. The audience and Macbeth knows that Duncan has been murdered, but
the other characters don’t. This builds suspense.
“Dire combustion and confused events”
This reflects the terrible events that have taken place and foreshadows the events to
come.
“’Twas a rough night” – Character: Macbeth
Macbeth’s short sentences make him seem distracted and tense, as if he’s trying not to
give himself away. This highlights his guilt and nervousness.
Macduff finds Duncan’s body. His reaction shows how horrified he is and makes the
murder seem even worse.
“The Lord’s anointed temple and stole thence the life o’th’building”
Macduff presents Duncan as a religious figure, where his body is like a church which
someone broke into and took his life.
“Tis not for you” – Theme: Reality and Appearances
Macduff thinks that because Lady Macbeth is a woman, she is too vulnerable to hear
about the murder. It’s ironic because she wanted to cast off her femininity to make her
capable of murder.
“All is but toys” – Shakespeare’s Techniques
The audience knows that Macbeth’s grief is false as his language is too poetic for
someone who is supposed to be in shock.
“I do repent me of my fury” – Character: Macbeth
Macbeth confesses to killing Duncan’s servants out of rage. Macbeth is in complete
control of himself as he is able to argue why he killed the guards.
“Help me hence, ho!” – Theme: Reality and Appearances
Lady Macbeth pretends to faint to distract everyone from Macbeth’s suspicious actions,
or she faints as she is shocked Macbeth changes their plan and kill the guards.
Immediately, Malcolm and Donalbain sense something is wrong and don’t believe what
Macbeth has said.
“Meet i’th’hall together”
Macbeth is taking control of the Thanes as he is prepared to become king.
“There’s daggers in men’s smiles” – Theme: Reality and Appearances
Donalbain says that people hide their true intentions.
Malcolm and Donalbain run away because they fear for their lives. It makes them look
guilty and allows Macbeth to take the throne and become king.
Macduff discovers Duncan’s body. Malcolm and Donalbain flee Scotland.
“Knock, knock, knock” – Character: The Porter
Repetition of ‘knock’. The Porter pretends to be the gate-keeper from hell. This
emphasises the evil things that happened in Macbeth’s castle. His comic monologue
relieves tension but also builds suspense.
“This night has been unruly” – Shakespeare’ Techniques
‘It was a very stormy night’. This emphasise the death of Duncan which is compared to
Jesus’ death. The audience and Macbeth knows that Duncan has been murdered, but
the other characters don’t. This builds suspense.
“Dire combustion and confused events”
This reflects the terrible events that have taken place and foreshadows the events to
come.
“’Twas a rough night” – Character: Macbeth
Macbeth’s short sentences make him seem distracted and tense, as if he’s trying not to
give himself away. This highlights his guilt and nervousness.
Macduff finds Duncan’s body. His reaction shows how horrified he is and makes the
murder seem even worse.
“The Lord’s anointed temple and stole thence the life o’th’building”
Macduff presents Duncan as a religious figure, where his body is like a church which
someone broke into and took his life.
“Tis not for you” – Theme: Reality and Appearances
Macduff thinks that because Lady Macbeth is a woman, she is too vulnerable to hear
about the murder. It’s ironic because she wanted to cast off her femininity to make her
capable of murder.
“All is but toys” – Shakespeare’s Techniques
The audience knows that Macbeth’s grief is false as his language is too poetic for
someone who is supposed to be in shock.
“I do repent me of my fury” – Character: Macbeth
Macbeth confesses to killing Duncan’s servants out of rage. Macbeth is in complete
control of himself as he is able to argue why he killed the guards.
“Help me hence, ho!” – Theme: Reality and Appearances
Lady Macbeth pretends to faint to distract everyone from Macbeth’s suspicious actions,
or she faints as she is shocked Macbeth changes their plan and kill the guards.
Immediately, Malcolm and Donalbain sense something is wrong and don’t believe what
Macbeth has said.
“Meet i’th’hall together”
Macbeth is taking control of the Thanes as he is prepared to become king.
“There’s daggers in men’s smiles” – Theme: Reality and Appearances
Donalbain says that people hide their true intentions.
Malcolm and Donalbain run away because they fear for their lives. It makes them look
guilty and allows Macbeth to take the throne and become king.
