1. Brief Review

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

3.  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

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

5.  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.

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

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

8.  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.

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

10.  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?

11.  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.

12.  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.