Scene Two Act Two of Shakespeare's Macbeth

Scene Two Act Two of Shakespeare's Macbeth

Scene 2 act 2 is one of the most important scenes in the play. This is

because it is the culmination of the previous events that were part of

the plot to kill King Duncan. Macbeth starts off as someone who is

very loyal to the King. Macbeth has the title Thane of Glamis and then

is rewarded with the Thane of Cawdor because of his bravery. At first

Macbeth has doubts about killing King Duncan because he sees that the

king is a good leader who had the respect of his subjects throughout

the land. Macbeth also felt that he was the king's kinsman, but his

"vaulting ambition" and love for his wife who he refers to as "dearest

partner of greatness", eventually led him to gain courage to kill the

king. In scene 2 act 2 we are shown Macbeth in a state of shock and

anxiety. His wife, although agitated, finally has the courage of

taking charge to take the daggers back and think of a way to avoid

their own actions being discovered. Macbeth realises that he has done

something terrible and he knows that he can not be forgiven for what

he has done.

Scene 2 act 2 is set at night when Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are in the

courtyard of their castle in which they are the King's host for the

night. Certain sounds were heard and Lady Macbeth says "I heard the

owl scream and the crickets cry". All these images symbolise death and

the significance of these settings is to show that Macbeth had just

killed the King whilst he was asleep because it was at night. The

significance of the plot means that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth were in a

dark and isolated place in order for their plans not to be heard by

the Kings authorities who were amongst their guests.

Shakespeare uses sound effects both on and offstage to create dramatic

tension. He uses sound effects such as the crickets and the owl that

were seen as symbols of death.