Sunday, April 14, 2013

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.

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