Macbeth Study Questions Act 2 KEY
Scene 1:
1. How does Banquo’s interaction with Macbeth highlight their
differences?
Banquo expresses loyalty to Duncan and wariness about the witches,
while Macbeth lies, claiming he hasn’t thought about the prophecy.
2. What does Macbeth see in his soliloquy, and what does it symbolize?
Macbeth sees a bloodied dagger leading him to Duncan’s chamber. It
symbolizes his ambition, guilt, and the moral conflict within him.
3. What decision does Macbeth make by the end of the soliloquy?
Macbeth resolves to kill Duncan, marking the point of no return in his
moral decline.
Scene 2:
4. Why does Macbeth hear voices saying, “Sleep no more: Macbeth
does murder sleep”?
His guilt manifests as hallucinations, symbolizing his loss of innocence and
peace.
5. After Macbeth has killed Duncan, he seems to be afraid of every
sound he hears. Why? How does it influence Macbeth?
Macbeth is afraid of every sound around him (knocking) and there’s blood
on his hands that he wants to get rid of because it shows his guilt. It
symbolizes his guilt about killing Duncan, it symbolizes Macbeth’s
consciousness and remorse about Duncan’s death.
6. What does Macbeth mean by “Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash
this blood clean from my hand”?
He feels that his guilt is so great it cannot be erased, symbolizing the
psychological burden of his crime.
7. What is the significance of Lady Macbeth’s line, “A little water clears
us of this deed”?
She dismisses the guilt associated with the murder, believing it can be
easily washed away.
8. What does blood symbolize in this scene?
Scene 1:
1. How does Banquo’s interaction with Macbeth highlight their
differences?
Banquo expresses loyalty to Duncan and wariness about the witches,
while Macbeth lies, claiming he hasn’t thought about the prophecy.
2. What does Macbeth see in his soliloquy, and what does it symbolize?
Macbeth sees a bloodied dagger leading him to Duncan’s chamber. It
symbolizes his ambition, guilt, and the moral conflict within him.
3. What decision does Macbeth make by the end of the soliloquy?
Macbeth resolves to kill Duncan, marking the point of no return in his
moral decline.
Scene 2:
4. Why does Macbeth hear voices saying, “Sleep no more: Macbeth
does murder sleep”?
His guilt manifests as hallucinations, symbolizing his loss of innocence and
peace.
5. After Macbeth has killed Duncan, he seems to be afraid of every
sound he hears. Why? How does it influence Macbeth?
Macbeth is afraid of every sound around him (knocking) and there’s blood
on his hands that he wants to get rid of because it shows his guilt. It
symbolizes his guilt about killing Duncan, it symbolizes Macbeth’s
consciousness and remorse about Duncan’s death.
6. What does Macbeth mean by “Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash
this blood clean from my hand”?
He feels that his guilt is so great it cannot be erased, symbolizing the
psychological burden of his crime.
7. What is the significance of Lady Macbeth’s line, “A little water clears
us of this deed”?
She dismisses the guilt associated with the murder, believing it can be
easily washed away.
8. What does blood symbolize in this scene?
