Act 2 scene 3 macbeth annotations12/19/2023 ![]() Macbeth enters, still carrying the bloody daggers with which he killed Duncan. Upon hearing a noise within, she worries that the bodyguards have awakened before Macbeth has had a chance to plant the evidence on them. Lady Macbeth waits fitfully for Macbeth to return from killing Duncan. The bell rings-a signal from Lady Macbeth-and he sets off toward Duncan's room. ![]() Frightened by the apparition of a "dagger of the mind," he prays that the earth will "hear not steps" as he completes his bloody plan (38, 57). After Banquo and his son Fleance leave the scene, Macbeth imagines that he sees a bloody dagger pointing toward Duncan's chamber. When Banquo raises the topic of the prophecy as Macbeth enters the scene, Macbeth pretends that he has given little thought to the witches' prophesy. He must restrain himself the “cursed thoughts” that tempt him in his dreams (II i 8). But in the final couplet, Macbeth seems to transfer his own doubts concerning the afterlife to Duncan: Whether the king will go to heaven or hell is now an academic matter ironically, for Macbeth himself, the outcome is likely to be more certain.Banquo, who has come to Inverness with Duncan, wrestles with the witches' prophecy. What we say and what we do are frequently very different matters. The distinction between word and deed in the last line is an idea that occurs frequently in Shakespeare. The change of tone to one of high rhetoric and classical allusion (Hecate, Tarquin) may seem out of place, but not if we imagine Macbeth putting on a "mask" of language in preparation for the murder. In his final lines, as he ascends to the king's chamber, he imagines himself as the personification of Murder itself, stealthily making its way towards its victim. The urge to become king is now strong in him. Nevertheless, as in the earlier scene with his wife, Macbeth eventually capitulates. sensible to feeling?" "Mine eyes are made the fools of the other senses," and "It is the bloody business which informs thus to mine eyes." I see thee still!" Between each of these alarms comes a moment of respite in which Macbeth appeals to the world of the physical senses: "Art thou not. There are three false alarms: "I see thee still. The structure of the lines precisely echoes the swings from lucidity to mental disturbance that characterize Macbeth throughout the play. Like "If it were done" (Act I, Scene 7), this soliloquy is a fascinating piece of stage psychology. The dagger speech (32-65) is, deservedly, one of the most celebrated in Shakespeare. The moment at which Banquo so very nearly draws his sword on a potential intruder (actually Macbeth) is a master-stroke of dramatic irony: Banquo has no idea of what the audience knows. In this opening scene of Act II, as in the later Porter scene, the audience feels momentarily suspended from the action but in no way removed from the intensity of emotion as the innocent Banquo and his son pass the time of night. ![]() Symbolically, the airy lightness that greeted Duncan's arrival at the castle in Act I has completely vanished, to be replaced by brooding darkness. The opening dialogue sets the scene: It is past midnight, the moon has set, and the "candles" of heaven - the stars - cannot be seen. Convinced that "there's no such thing," he climbs to the king's chamber. Either in the heat of the moment or through some supernatural visitation, he sees a ghostly dagger indicating the way to the Duncan. No sooner is Macbeth alone, than he has an extraordinary experience. After arranging to meet again in order to discuss the matter, Banquo asserts his allegiance to the king and bids good night to Macbeth. Banquo has been unable to sleep and explains to Macbeth that he has been dreaming of the weird sisters. As Macbeth makes his way toward the king's bedchamber, he encounters Banquo with his son Fleance. ![]()
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