Brief Review

 The dagger Macbeth sees in Scene 1 is a manifestation of his guilt – it is a “dagger of the mind”

 When Macbeth begins talking agitatedly about Duncan’s murder, she says not to dwell on it or else it will make them crazy.” irony, foreshadowing

 The porter pretends to be the doorkeeper of hell which is ironic in that a brutal murder has just occurred there.

 The porter takes so long to open the door that Macduff, who’s come to wake the king, wonders if he stayed up too late and slept in.

 Lennox reports strange screams and unnatural disturbances which occurred in the night

 Banquo suggests the thanes dress and gather in the hall to discover the reason for Duncan’s murder.

 After their father’s murder, Donalbain and Malcolm believe they are in danger and that their closest relatives are the ones most likely to murder them, so they decide to flee.

 The storm, eclipse, and other strange events symbolize the unnatural act of Macbeth – his evil murder of Duncan.

 Which character is unable to say “Amen”?  Who is frightened that bloody daggers may give them away?  Who fears daggers in men’s smiles?  Who is afraid to sleep because of nightmares?  Who is terrified by strange screams and other unnatural disturbances in the night?

 Often in literature we learn about a character by what he or she says. This is true in Macbeth as well. As you read note how their words often reveal a character’s personality traits.

 The mood or atmosphere of a story is often established by details of setting and events that occur. Think about the mood of Act II and what details establish this mood.