10-18-2013, 02:45 PM
The questions which follow are based on Scenes 1 and 2. Short answer questions can be answered in 1 - 3 complete sentences and do not require quotations for support. The long answer question should be answered in two complete (8-12) sentence paragraphs and include incorporated support. Incorporated quotations must not be more than a few words long. Short phrases and carefully chosen words to prove your point only.
When citing use (2.3.7-12) where the first number is the Act, second is the scene and last number or numbers denote the line or lines. Remember to include a complete bibliographic citation of the version of the play you are reading. MLA is preferred but I will accept APA as well. The important thing is that your are using proper formatting and citations.
SHORT ANSWER
Why doesn't Lady Macbeth murder Duncan herself?
Shakespeare deliberately doesn't show us Duncan's murder. Why do you think this is?
Macbeth believes that Donalbain and presumably Malcolm: laugh in their sleep; cry murder; wake and pray; cry "God bless us" and "Amen", as he, Macbeth, kills their father. Why is Macbeth unable to say "Amen" in response to their words "God bless us"?
Explain the problem that Macbeth is having in trying to wash his hands. Why do you think he is having this problem?
Lady Macbeth advises her husband not to think about the night's events or it will make them go mad. Why are these lines ironic?
LONG ANSWER
In Scene Two, Lady Macbeth awaits and is then told of Duncan's murder. Explain in detail how Shakespeare builds up a feeling of tension and suspense in this scene. You might wish to consider: how the tension of the previous scene establishes anticipation for this scene; what Lady Macbeth says and how she behaves while she awaits news of the murder; the way that Macbeth speaks and behaves upon his return from the murder scene and the thoughts that trouble him; the way that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth interact; dramatic techniques used to show tension and guilt.
When citing use (2.3.7-12) where the first number is the Act, second is the scene and last number or numbers denote the line or lines. Remember to include a complete bibliographic citation of the version of the play you are reading. MLA is preferred but I will accept APA as well. The important thing is that your are using proper formatting and citations.
SHORT ANSWER
Why doesn't Lady Macbeth murder Duncan herself?
Shakespeare deliberately doesn't show us Duncan's murder. Why do you think this is?
Macbeth believes that Donalbain and presumably Malcolm: laugh in their sleep; cry murder; wake and pray; cry "God bless us" and "Amen", as he, Macbeth, kills their father. Why is Macbeth unable to say "Amen" in response to their words "God bless us"?
Explain the problem that Macbeth is having in trying to wash his hands. Why do you think he is having this problem?
Lady Macbeth advises her husband not to think about the night's events or it will make them go mad. Why are these lines ironic?
LONG ANSWER
In Scene Two, Lady Macbeth awaits and is then told of Duncan's murder. Explain in detail how Shakespeare builds up a feeling of tension and suspense in this scene. You might wish to consider: how the tension of the previous scene establishes anticipation for this scene; what Lady Macbeth says and how she behaves while she awaits news of the murder; the way that Macbeth speaks and behaves upon his return from the murder scene and the thoughts that trouble him; the way that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth interact; dramatic techniques used to show tension and guilt.