The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act II

• Macbeth and Banquo lead the King’s army to a victory over two enemies

So far, in Act I . . .

The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act II Reviewing Act I

• three witches predict that Macbeth will become King of Scotland and that Banquo’s descendants will be kings

• a pleased King Duncan makes Macbeth Thane of Cawdor

• Duncan names his son Malcolm the new prince of Cumberland, causing Macbeth to contemplate killing Duncan

The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act II Reviewing Act I

• Lady Macbeth learns of the witches’ predictions, and she takes them very seriously; she even considers killing Duncan herself

So far, in Act I . . .

• King Duncan arrives as a guest at Macbeth’s castle

The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act II Reviewing Act I

• Macbeth wrestles with his conscience and decides not to kill Duncan

• Lady Macbeth belittles her husband and threatens to withdraw her love; Macbeth decides the deed shall be done after all

So far, in Act I . . .

The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act II Introducing Act II

“Is this a dagger which I see before me,

The handle toward my hand?”

Click to hear part of Macbeth’s famous soliloquy.

• By the beginning of Act II, Macbeth’s conversion to evil is complete. He follows an imaginary dagger to King Duncan’s bedchamber.

Most tragedies include bloodshed and murder, and Macbeth is no exception.

The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act II Introducing Act II

• What about the king’s guards? They are no problem: Lady Macbeth has drugged them.

Act II Audio

MacbethAct V

Quick Review

In the middle of the night, Macbeth nervously waits for the signal to perform the deed.

A little while later, Lady Macbeth

wonders if all has gone as

planned, reacting to every

sound.

Macbeth joins her when he has killed the King,

but she has to return

the dagger used in the murder, as he refused to return to the scene.

Macduff, another nobleman, arrives at the castle, and soon

discovers the murdered King.

In his panic, Macbeth kills

Duncan’s attendants and claims that he

believed them to be responsible for the King’s murder.

However, Malcolm and Donaldbain, the King’s sons, are

suspicious, and leave secretly.