Act II Quiz

1. In your opinion, is Lady Macbeth a cold-blooded murderer? Why or why not?

I think Lady Macbeth is a cold-blooded murder because she feels as if whenever she murders someone she gets something good out of it. “The wine that has made them drunk has made me brave. The drink that has put out their fire has lighted mine.” (2. 2. 1-3) “If he’s still bleeding, I’ll smear the faces of the servants so it will look as if they did it.” (2. 2. 55-57)

2. Lady Macbeth has her own antics throughout the play. Why does Lady Macbeth faint in Act II? Does it serve its purpose? Explain.

Lady Macbeth manages to pretend to faint, as she wants to be dramatic about the whole scene of the King getting murdered, along with her not knowing what happened last night. “Help me, please.” (2. 3. 130) She also wanted to make it look like she didn’t have anything to do with it, so acting dramatic about it would’ve increased her chances of being less suspicious to the others. “What’s the matter, that such a fearful alarm should summon our guests from sleep? Speak, speak!” (2. 3. 85-6)

3. How does Macbeth's attitude toward Duncan change after the murder?

Macbeth’s attitude turns from nice to someone who shows no emotion. “ From now on, there’s nothing left worth living for. Everything is a sham.” (2. 3. 99-100) He seemed as if he wanted to get caught for the murder of the King, as he didn’t admit if he did or didn’t do it. “Oh how I wish now I hadn’t lost my self-control and killed them!” (2. 3. 116-17)

4. If so pressuring on Macbeth, why didn't Lady Macbeth kill the king instead of Macbeth?

Lady Macbeth didn’t killed the king instead of Macbeth because she wanted him to do all the dirty work. She thought that Macbeth was too weak and would be too nice for the job. “Coward! Give me the daggers!” (2. 2. 52-3) “My hands are the same color as yours-but I’d be ashamed to have a heart as white as yours!” (2. 2. 64-5)

5. Now that Macbeth has killed the king, do you think he must do anything else to reign as king? Explain your answer.

I think he might need to prove that he’s not guilty of any wrongdoings, where he will be pressured to admit that he’s killed the king. He’ll deny that he’s done anything wrong, and for everyone with the mindset that he’s a hero and hasn’t killed anyone in his life. So it wouldn’t be too hard for him to remain king.