Macbeth - Discuss the dramatic significance of Act 2 Scene 2
Macbeth Discuss the dramatic significance of Act 2 Scene 2 Macbeth was set in 11th century Scotland, which was a very violant place. Scotland was very unstable, families were always fighting to control land and people were always invading from other countries. Macbeth was born in 1005 and married the granddaughter of the king. King Duncan was ineffective and was killed at 38 years old, possibly by Macbeth. Macbeth was elected king in 1040 and ruled for 17 years. He was a good king who brought stability to Scotland. He was killed on the 15th of August 1057. When the play was created England was fasinated by witches and witchcraft. Even the king james I was intreguied by it. So Shakespeare creates the story with witches in it, when there probably wasn't any witches involved at all. In Act 1 Scene 2 Banquo receives an offer of a bribe from Macbeth to say nothing about the witches. Banquo refuses because of his loyalty to king Duncan, this hints at a future problem for Macbeth. Macbeth then has a vision of the dagger he might be going to kill the king with. It is leading him to Duncan's bedchamber. He talks to it but realise it is a halucination when he tries to touch it but can't. Dramatic tension is created for the audience, will Macbeth kill the king or will he stay loyal to Duncan? In Act 2 Scene 2, Macbeth returns to the stage after killing the king in his sleep.
Macbeth. How Does Shakespeare create tension in Act 2 Scene 1? and Act 2 Scene 2?
Lauren Dowse Thursday 4th February How Does Shakespeare create tension in Act 2 Scene 1? and Act 2 Scene 2? "Macbeth" by William Shakespeare is a play that creates a real sense of fear. Written for James I it is a controversial play based on the actions of his ancestors and steeped in the supernatural. The fact that the main themes are witchcraft, possession by evil spirits, the murder of a king and the violent obsessions of tyrant create a brutal and tense plot. Shakespeare keeps the audience in suspense by his development of character and a series or dramatic devices. Act 2 Scene 1 and 2 are particularly tense as Macbeth awaits Lady Macbeths signal to go to kill King Duncan and then later when the murder has been committed. These scenes are pirotal to the plot because without the murders taking place the repercussions won't take place. The opening dialogue sets the scene, It is past midnight, the moon has set, and the "candles" of heaven , the stars ,cannot be seen. Symbolically, the lightness that greeted Duncan's arrival at the castle in Act I has completely vanished, to be replaced by gloomy darkness. In this opening scene of Act II, the audience feels temporarily suspended from the action but in no way removed from the power of emotion as the innocent Banquo and his son pass the time of night. The moment at
Compare the characters of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in Act 2.
Compare the characters of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in Act 2. In act 2 scene 1, Macbeth seems to be having doubts to his actions on the murder of King Duncan. When he is left alone, he imagines a dagger in front of him, which is guiding him towards the goal he seeks of killing Duncan to gain his ambition to ascend to the throne. This proves that he wants to do it, that he's greedy and desperate to do it but having doubts about whether he has the courage. Initially he experiences horror at he reality of which he is contemplating but this gives away to resolution. He determines, however, to proceed forward and kill Duncan. In scene 2" Lady Macbeth's Mood is exultant and bold and she boasts of her success at drugging the guards which proves she is boastful. It seems as if Lady Macbeth is Macbeth's key human agent, the one he trusts and loves and who ensures his temptation is thorough and complete. Lady Macbeth has an initial overpowering presence as does her husband, however, she is not the actual heroine or hero herself. She seems very dominant in this act too. Her actions seem to be influenced by her uncompromising desire for her husband to ascend to the throne. This links the characters in their desire for Macbeth's power once he has been made king. We understand that Macbeth has " deep desires" but this seems tame compared with Lady Macbeth's unquenchable aspirations.
Macbeth coursework: Compare and contrast the dramatic changes between lady Macbeth in act 2 scene 2 to act 5 scene 1
Macbeth coursework: "Lady Macbeth's power decreases throughout 'Macbeth." Compare and contrast how Shakespeare's language shows the audience this is happening in Act 2 Scene 2 and Act 5 Scene 1. In act 2, during the murder scene we see Lady Macbeth as a determined, fiery and motivated individual. We see she takes more of a traditional mans role and acts like no other women would have in those days. She also seems to be in charge of Macbeth and his actions. For example we see how strong Lady Macbeth is in lines 1-3 Act 2 Scene 2. "That, which hath made them drunk, hath made me bold; what hath quenched them, hath given me fire." - Lady Macbeth. This is in Lady Macbeth's soliloquy at the beginning of Act 2 Scene 2 referring to the drugging of Duncan's bodyguards. Shakespeare uses the word 'bold' and 'fire' which have a specific effect on Macbeth. They seem to suggest the determined nature of Lady Macbeth. Macbeth replies to this in line 8 scene 8. "Who's there? What ho?" - Macbeth. I believe that Shakespeare uses the words who and what as the show Macbeths It is a prime example of how he is under control of an extremely powerful Lady Macbeth. In Scene 5 Act 1 we see how Lady Macbeth's power has almost suddenly all gone. She is no longer the strong lady she once was, and is now an emotional wreck driven insane. She resembles Macbeth the moment after he had done the deed.
Macbeth - Directing Act 1, Scenes 1 and 2.
Macbeth - Directing Act 1, Scenes 1 and 2 At the end of act 1 Macbeth has decided to kill Duncan. In Act 1 scene 1 Banquo is telling Macbeth how much Duncan admires him and how he likes him. Macbeth then lies to Banquo when he asks about the witches. Banquo doesn't want to be involved with the killing of Duncan. Macbeth then sees a dagger in front of him guiding him towards Duncan's room. Macbeth starts to regret the killing at the start of Scene 2. Lady Macbeth won't listen to him and she takes the daggers to go and put the blame on someone else. At the start of Act 2 I would like the weather to be bleak and foggy so that Birnam wood can be seen through the fog in the distance. There wouldn't really be any noises, maybe a bird, or a servant makes a noise while taking a tray past, something that makes Macbeth look up for a distraction. When Macbeth meets Banquo he strolls up to him with all his king's robes on whilst Banquo is dressed in common clothes to show the difference in their status. Whilst Macbeth is talking the slightest sound would make him look up. When Banquo mentions the diamond, 'This diamond he greets your wife withal', I would have Banquo carefully slipping it out of his pocket with both hands. The diamond would be in a small pouch and Banquo then takes it out of the pouch to show Macbeth. The diamond would gently glitter in the candlelight from the
Respond to Act 2 Scene 2 of Macbeth in the following ways:
Respond to Act 2 Scene 2 of Macbeth in the following ways: * Explore the ways in which Shakespeare creates tension in this scene. * Compare the ways in which a modern audience would respond to this scene with how you think Shakespeare's contemporary audience would have responded. * Discuss how you would direct the scene to bring out its dramatic qualities. Shakespeare's Macbeth was written in 1605 and first performed in 1606, in front of King James I (James IV of Scotland) at Hampton Court, London, three years after he ascended to the throne following the death of Elizabeth I. Like Elizabeth, James was deeply interested in witchcraft and published a book in 1597 called Demonology which may have influenced Shakespeare. Shakespeare often found inspiration in historical sources for his plays. Shakespeare had used Raphael Holinshed's account of Scottish history in his Chronicles of England, Scotland and Ireland published in 1557. However, in turn Holinshed based his account on earlier sources. The plot of Macbeth was firstly mentioned in Scotichronicon by John of Fordun in the fourteenth century. In Shakespeare's Macbeth Duncan is portrayed as a noble and honest man and Macbeth as a tyrant. This is where Shakespeare has changed the original source because in reality Macbeth was a good king who brought peace to the country and Duncan was weak. Changes of the sources however
Before and After the Murder - Act 2 scene 1 and 2 (Macbeth).
Before and After the Murder Act 2 scene 1 and 2 Act 2 Scene 1 is one of the important scenes of Macbeth; this is the scene before the murder. Often said to have a very murderous mood and a tense eery atmosphere. Before the murder Macbeth and Lady Macbeth prepare and act very differently towards each other. In the court of Macbeth's castle Banquo asks 'Who's there' Macbeth replies saying a friend, there is a difference between two friends, this is ironic as he lies to Banquo. Macbeth is ready to kill yet he tells Banquo that he has not given the witches a second thought. How can Macbeth be a friend if he is prepared to lie to him and kill Duncan? Banquo is a honourable character and says he will not turn against the king. Macbeth was an ambitious, ruthless royalty; this was his weakness leading him to commit a crime of murder. Macbeth behaves on edge and confused, he says 'The handle toward my hand?' 'To feelings as to sight?' 'Proceeding from the heat - oppressed brain?' These questions show how confused he is. Before the murder, Macbeth is hallucinated by a dagger, he is convinced and believes he sees it in front of his eyes. This takes us back to the supernatural. In the beginning of his soliquoy (lines 45), he wonders if it is real or if he is hallucinated, the dagger drips with blood and this leads him to Duncan. In the dagger speech, Macbeth personifies the murder, he
How does Shakespeare create tension in Act 2 Scene 2 of Macbeth?
How does Shakespeare create tension in Act 2 Scene 2 of Macbeth? Shakespeare carries on the tension produced in the previous scene into Act 2 Scene 2. As the dramatic plot is unveiled, we, the audience along with Macbeth and his wife experience the suspense. Shakespeare uses may different techniques to achieve tension for everyone. Language techniques are employed such as, monosyllabic words and imperative verbs. Actions are used to achieve mystery as are sounds. Tension is very important in this scene as it shows how the murder takes its full effect on Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. The second scene of Act 2 commence as Lady Macbeth enters. She informs us of the drink that has made the servants 'drunk' and her 'bold.' The lack of her strength is unveiled to the audience in the first line as Lady Macbeth requires drink to supply her with courage: 'What hath quenched them hath given me fire.' Her invulnerability slowly disappears and she appears more humanised to us. Tension is created for us as we get the impression that Lady Macbeth is fearful and not confident of what is to occur. This leads us to think that a terrible event may arise. Shakespeare uses short monosyllable and exclamatory words in Lady Macbeth's speech: 'Hark! Peace!' Using these techniques recreate the fear that she is feeling to the audience. Euphemism is used in Lady Macbeth's speech as she does not want to
How Does Shakespeare use language to create atmosphere in Act 2 Scene 1 and Act 2 Scene 2 of 'Macbeth'?
How Does Shakespeare use language to create atmosphere in Act 2 Scene 1 and Act 2 Scene 2 of 'Macbeth'? The two scenes, one and two are based around the murder of King Duncan. The plot, orchestrated by the three witches, to make Macbeth and Lady Macbeth kill the king. The Three Witches did this to create chaos and confusion and they help persuade Macbeth to fulfill his ambitious intentions through their prophesies. In Act 2 Shakespeare uses language to create a feeling of suspicion and fear. This sets the scene and creates an atmosphere of foreboding and impending doom, which continues throughout the play. Act 2 is set at Macbeths Castle where Duncan is graciously received by the "honoured hostess" Lady Macbeth. The scene is set at night, although the play would be performed during the daytime through suspension of disbelief. Words such as "night", "moon", "candles" and "twelve", denote this. The audience senses an evil atmosphere through the narrative, "The moon is down" and " their candles are all out" which illustrates a feeling of darkness and malice. In Act 2 scene1, Banquo's anxiety is immediately apparent. There is nervousness about his conversation and he discusses his lack of sleep. The words "A heavy summon lies like lead upon me, And yet I would not sleep," suggests that Banquo is uneasy and predicts that something bad is going to happen. Before Macbeth
How does Shakespeare create tension in Act 2 Scene 2 of Macbeth?
How does Shakespeare create tension in Act 2 Scene 2 of Macbeth? Macbeth, a Shakespearean tragedy follows the journey of the protagonist Macbeth as he plots to assassinate King Duncan, after hearing a prophecy from the three witches. Shakespeare's most powerful and emotionally intense play follows the journey of betrayal, guilt and murder during the Jacobean era. Despite, written almost 400 year ago, Macbeth is still equally popular amongst the contemporary audience as to the Shakespearean audience. Tension is a tremendously crucial element in Macbeth, helping to intensify the tragedy and suspense created among the audience in Act II scene ii, building up to its ending. Shakespeare constructs dramatic tension throughout the play by utilizing a variety of literary techniques, stagecraft, character's behaviour and relationship. Lady Macbeth's is an extremely essential character throughout the play: her character is stronger, more ruthless, and more ambitions than her husband, Macbeth. She manages to push Macbeth into committing the blasphemous murder with the dominance and overpowering behaviour. At the beginning of Act II scene ii, Lady Macbeth is overwhelmed at the signs of victory as 'the owl that shriek'd, the fatal bellman, which gives the stern'st good-night...He is about it.' During the Jacobean era the hoot of an owl was considered auspicious as people were
