Macbeth, Act 2

Scene 1:

• Opens at night: adds element of mystery and fear.
• Banquo's dream of the witches add to the supernatural elements
• Macbeth sililioquy main focus in the scene.

Scene 2:

• Macbeth having trouble sleeping -> he has murdered sleep
• Referring to himself as both Thane of Glamis and Cawdor may represent who he is now and who he used to be.
• Lady Macbeth appears more human; fear of getting caught (line 10)

Scene 3:

• Lady Macbeth acts shocked by death of Duncan; swooning, seen as fragile
• Malcom and Donalbain appear to act unemotional: intelligence before emotion, cowardly
• use of porter to open scene: adds comic element, reflection of macbeth's varying emotion, alcohol parallel to being King - drunk on power

Scene 4:

• Suspicion falls on Donalbain and Malcom
• Macbeth appears to have got away with the murder
• Macbeth being made King is seen as a hasty decision - Ross and Macduff don' want to attend ceremony or swear allegiance

What is Gothic about 'Macbeth'?

Pathetic fallacy is used in the opening scene of Macbeth: the thunder and lightening are part of the metonymy of "doom and gloom" which suggests elements of mystery, danger and the supernatural, which all happens before we are even introduced to any characters. When the witches enter, they present the supernatural element to the play which would cause an air of mystery and pose a potential threat to the rest of the characters. Due to the short length of the scene, the audience are left with questions: who are the witches? what do they want with Macbeth? They represent the unknown, which is reflected in the lack of information we gain from them.

When the witches re-appear in Act 1 Scene 3, the dialogue instantly seems gruesome and evil, which gives an insight into the witches characteristics. When Macbeth and Banquo enter, the witches appear to know a lot about Macbeth, however he seems to have never seen or met them before. They also state a prophecy that Macbeth shall become King, however, the audience are then informed that Banquo's son is to become King: this leaves the audience questioning not only how it is possible that Macbeth will become King, but also how the witches know.

The dialogue throughout Scenes 2 and 3 exhibit not only how callous the witches are, but also indicates similarities between themselves and Macbeth. Macbeth is depicted as a war hero, however the audience may regard him as ruthless, just as they see the witches. These similar traits may suggest to the audience that Macbeth could be easily led astray by the witches and their prophecy.

Macbeth, Act 1

Scene 1

• Introduction of the witches pose several questions for the audience: What are they planning? Who is Macbeth? What do they want from him?
• Enigmatic opening: use of pathetic fallacy as the witches enter.
• Rhythmic language, deliberate form: use of chants links in with the supernatural theme
• Use of weather- sinister setting.

Scene 2

• Captain glorifies not only Macbeth, but glorifies war.
• Pre-concieved ideas before meeting Macbeth
• Reliability of Captain's story? He is close to death, may not be thinking straight.
• Military propaganda?
• line 35; description of Macbeth. His character is made up of many different aspects
• line 37; eager to fight

Scene 3

• Macbeth can be seen from different angles after hearing the prophecy: hopeful, confused, intrigued, plotting.
• Stage directions: use of "(aside)" shows how Macbeth is contemplating this new information
• appears consumed in thought
• pathetic fallacy used again as witches enter
• witches portrayed as evil. inhumane.
• line 31-36: use of rhyming, child-like. contrast with the witches
• Macbeth wants to know more: "Speak, I charge you!"

Scene 4

• Audience being influenced to think Macbeth is trustworthy
• Line 50; language changes from prose to poetry

Scene 5

• Lady Macbeth: posses the ambition that Macbeth lacks, she wants the best; she appears to be a bad influence; is she always the driving force in the marriage?; use of violent imagery shows an insight into her thoughts; is this a full picture of her character?
• use of letter to open scene shows how Macbeth and Lady Macbeth can be considered two sides to the same character
• no ambiguity to Lady Macbeth's character
• Lady Macbeth is the main focus; represents dominance in relationship
• Lady Macbeth, catalyst to the plan of murder?
• How in-tune are their thoughts? How do we know Macbeth isn't thinking what Lady Macbeth is saying?
• Lady Macbeth perceived as masculine. Unexpected of the woman at the time
• Lady Macbeth appears to be the representation of evil. Unconventional.