Macbeth Notes Act II

• Macbeth identifies himself as a friend to Banquo
• does Banquo feel the same way?
• Banquo's dream of "three weird sisters"
• is he talking about the witches here?
• Macbeth's soliloquy
• marvels at how unreal the situation feels
• an indication that this is not something that Macbeth truly feels comfortable doing
• he feels that this is out of character for himself
• many allusions to mythology to enforce the mystical surreal tone
• Why does Shakespeare choose not to show the murder itself?
• too gruesome for the audience?  Or perhaps too offensive to the king?
• the Macbeths have, apparently, fooled everybody
• "Is't known who did this more than bloody deed?" ... "Those that Macbeth hath slain."
• Macduff and Ross are ironically correct here, although they do not know it
• They conclude seconds later that Macbeth is next up for the throne
• how do they not connect Macbeth and his "thriftless ambition" to the crime?
• Macbeth ma have too good of a reputation.  It is stated earlier that he is well liked throughout the land.