Macbeth Act II

Why does Macbeth refuse to go back into the king’s bedroom with the bloody knives?

• He is afraid that he has not killed the king and he might still live.

• He is so filled with guilt and remorse that he lacks the courage to return.

• He wants Lady Macbeth to do her share by taking the knives back.

• He thinks it will be harder for someone to catch him if he does not go back.

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Which of the following is a central theme in Act II?

• The witches’ prophecies will ultimately prove false.

• The knocking sounds are the ghost of the king coming back.

• Macbeth deserves the crown more than the king’s sons do.

• The king’s murder has upset the natural rule of order.

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What happens to Malcolm and Donalbain at the end of Act II?

• They are found guilty of their father’s murder.

• They prepare to assume the throne in Duncan’s place.

• They flee because they fear that they, too, will be murdered.

• They accuse Macbeth of having committed Duncan’s murder.

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In Act II of Macbeth, which of the following examples best demonstrates Macbeth’s active imagination contributing to his internal conflict?

• Macbeth sees a floating dagger leading him towards Duncan’s chamber, which is a creation of his troubled mind.

• Macbeth hears a voice cry, "Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep," after killing Duncan.

• Macbeth imagines the stones of the castle prating of his whereabouts as he approaches Duncan's chamber to commit the murder.

• All of the above instances illustrate Macbeth’s active imagination and its role in his internal conflict.

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In Act II of Macbeth, the Porter provides comic relief through his dialogue. Which of the following statements best describes why Shakespeare includes these moments of humor in such a dramatic play?

• The Porter's jokes about turning the key in hell gate and his comments on drinking and lechery provide a momentary lightness to contrast the intense drama of Duncan's murder.

• The Porter's comedic remarks help to mirror the themes of equivocation and deception, highlighting the duality of appearance versus reality in the play.

• The comic relief from the Porter is used to make the character of Macbeth appear more sympathetic and relatable to the audience.

• The humor in the Porter's scene serves no particular purpose other than to fill time while Macbeth and Lady Macbeth prepare for the aftermath of the murder.

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In Act II, Scene 3 of Macbeth, Macbeth explains why he killed the king's servants. How is this explanation an example of dramatic irony?

• It is ironic because Macbeth claims he killed the servants out of grief and love for the slain king, which only the audience knows is untrue since he is the murderer.

• The irony stems from the fact that Macbeth killed the king because he wanted to rise to power and everyone knows it.

• Macbeth’s expression of outrage at the servants' supposed betrayal is ironic, given that the servants actually killed Duncan.

• The dramatic irony lies in the audience knowing Macbeth's motives for killing the servants were to eliminate them because they were next in line for the throne, which contrasts with what the audience knows.

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What does Shakespeare reveal about Lady Macbeth’s and Macbeth’s relationship through the description of the murder scene in Act II, Scene 2 of Macbeth?

• Lady Macbeth is clearly the more decisive and cold-hearted partner, taking charge of the situation when Macbeth is overwhelmed by guilt and fear.

• Macbeth demonstrates strong leadership and reassurance towards Lady Macbeth, showing his control over both the plan and his emotions.

• Lady Macbeth shows deep regret and sorrow for the murder, contrasting with Macbeth’s ruthless ambition.

• Both Lady Macbeth and Macbeth express equal hesitation and remorse about the murder, reflecting a shared burden of guilt.

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What is the effect of the repeated references to sleep in Act II of Macbeth, and how does this motif contribute to a theme of the play?

• The constant mention of sleep emphasizes its role as a refuge from guilt and turmoil, supporting the theme of the psychological consequences of ambition and guilt.

• Sleep is depicted as a time of vulnerability and danger, highlighting the theme of betrayal and insecurity.

• The references to sleep signify restoration and peace, illustrating the theme of reconciliation and recovery following conflict.

• Sleep is used to signify a loss of innocence, stressing the theme of moral corruption and the irreversible consequences of evil actions.

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What role does Lady Macbeth play in Macbeth's decision to murder King Duncan in Act I?

• She is unaware of Macbeth's plan and plays no part in his decision.

• She hesitantly supports Macbeth's decision but advises caution.

• She is the mastermind behind the plan, convincing Macbeth to go through with the murder.

• She strongly opposes the murder and tries to dissuade Macbeth from committing the act.

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What did Fleance notice about the sky?

• It was full of stars

• It was raining

• The moon was very bright

• There were no stars

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