Keyword Guide · book-summary
Act 2 of Macbeth shows the moment when thought turns into action. Shakespeare focuses on guilt, fear, and the consequences that begin immediately after the crime. This summary breaks the act down for quick review and class discussion.
The act opens late at night as Macbeth prepares to kill King Duncan. After the murder, he returns shaken and unable to pray, while Lady Macbeth tries to stay calm and practical. Duncan’s body is soon discovered, chaos erupts in the castle, and suspicion begins to spread.
Macbeth is overwhelmed by fear and guilt almost immediately. He fixates on sounds, blood, and the idea that he will never know peace again. His reactions show that the crown he wants so badly already comes with a heavy psychological cost.
Lady Macbeth pushes herself to remain composed and in control. She manages details after the murder and scolds Macbeth for his panic. However, brief cracks appear in her confidence, suggesting that her strength may not last.
Key themes include guilt, ambition, and appearance versus reality. Darkness and blood symbolize moral corruption and inescapable responsibility. These ideas will continue to develop as the play moves forward.
Act 2 contains the murder of King Duncan, the turning point that sets all later conflicts in motion.
Guilt is shown through Macbeth’s fear, hallucination-like thoughts, and obsession with blood and sound.
Focus on Macbeth’s mental change, Lady Macbeth’s control, and how symbolism reveals the consequences of ambition.
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