Macbeth Act Two Standards Focus: Figurative Language One of the most captivating aspects of Macbeth is Shakespeare s use of the literary device called figurative language words that are used to convey images beyond their literal sense. There are several types of figurative language, also called figures of speech: metaphor a comparison made between two unlike objects simile a comparison between two unlike objects using the words like or as personification giving human qualities or characteristics to non-human objects hyperbole truth exaggerated for humor or emphasis Directions: Read each excerpt from Acts One and Two. For Part A, decide what type of figure of speech has been underlined. Then, for Part b, Analysis, identify the comparison being made, the object being personified, or the effect of the exaggeration. The numbers in parentheses represent the act and scene in which the quote appears. An example has been done for you. Ex. If I say sooth, I must report they were / As cannons overcharged with double cracks (1.2) simile the soldiers were on a rampage, ready to fight their way through anything and everything to win the battle 1. If you can look into the seeds of time / And say which grain will grow and which will not, Speak then to me (1.3) 2. If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me / Without my stir. (1.3) 3. Come what come may, / Time and the hour runs through the roughest day. (1. 3) 4. More is thy due than more than all can pay. (1. 4) 2011 Secondary Solutions - 57 - Macbeth Literature Guide
5. That my (A) keen knife see not the wound it makes, / Nor (B) heaven peep through the (C) blanket of the dark, To cry, 'Hold, hold!' (1. 5) (A) (B) (C) 6. I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, which o erleaps itself and falls on th other (1.7) 7. A heavy summons lies like lead upon me, / And yet I would not sleep. (2.1) 8. Methought I heard a voice cry Sleep no more! / Macbeth does murder sleep (2.2) 9. Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood /Clean from my hand? No, this my hand will rather / The multitudinous seas incarnadine, / Making the green one red. (2. 2) 10. Most sacrilegious murder hath broke ope / The Lord s anointed temple and stole thence / The life o th building! (2.3) 2011 Secondary Solutions - 58 - Macbeth Literature Guide
Macbeth Act Two Standards Focus: Plot and Conflict Plot is the related series of events that make up a story. In other words, plot is the action that occurs as the story progresses. There are several parts of a plot: exposition - the beginning of the story that gives background information on characters and previous action rising action - the beginning of the action that will lead to a high point (climax) in the story climax - the turning point of the story; the part of the story in which the protagonist reaches an emotional high point or a peak in power falling action - the action that occurs after the climax resolution (also dénouement [day new mawh]) - the ending of the story; or when all loose ends are tied up and problems are (generally) solved Part A Directions: By Act Two, the exposition and rising action of the play have been presented, leading to the climax of the play, which begins to develop late in Act Two. Below are important events of Acts One Two of Macbeth. Arrange the events in chronological order (the order in which they occurred) on the lines below the plot events. HINT: USE A PENCIL IN CASE YOU MAKE A MISTAKE AND NEED TO FIX SOMETHING! The first event has been done for you. Duncan s sons flee, and are blamed for the king s murder. King Duncan announces that Macbeth will be the new Thane of Cawdor. Lady Macbeth drugs Duncan s servants. Lady Macbeth learns about the witches prophecies. Lady Macbeth takes the daggers to place them on the king s men and hide her husband s deed. Macbeth is to be named the new King of Scotland. Macbeth murders Duncan. Macbeth sees the imaginary dagger leading him to kill the king. Macbeth tells everyone that he killed the king s men for what they had done. Macduff finds the murdered king. The Captain tells King Duncan how bravely and nobly Macbeth fought Macdonwald. The King announces Malcolm will become the King s successor. The Witches tell Macbeth that he will become Thane of Cawdor and king. Events in Chronological Order: 1. The Captain tells King Duncan how bravely and nobly Macbeth fought Macdonwald. 2. 3. 2011 Secondary Solutions - 59 - Macbeth Literature Guide
4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. Part B Within the plot, there is also conflict. Conflict is a struggle between opposing forces, and can be between a man and his conscience, man and another man (or woman), or man against nature, such as weather or the environment. If conflict is written well, it can create a feeling of suspense, tension, and intrigue. There are several types of conflict: 1. man versus man struggle between two or more characters 2. man versus himself struggle between a character and his conscience, morals, or physical limitations 3. man versus nature struggle between a character and a force of nature such as weather or the environment 4. man versus society struggle between a character and the rules, beliefs, or pressures of a society or community 5. man versus fate struggle between a character and the forces of the universe, such as God, destiny, or chance happenings In addition, conflict can be divided into external or internal conflicts. External conflicts are man versus man, man versus nature, man versus society, and man versus fate. The internal conflict is man versus himself. Directions: For each of the following events from Acts One-Two, decide who or what is involved in the conflict, and which type of conflict is being represented, and whether it is internal or external conflict. Finally, explain how you feel this conflict will ultimately affect the events of the play. An example has been done for you. Ex. The King announces Malcolm will become the King s successor. Malcolm versus Macbeth man versus man 2011 Secondary Solutions - 60 - Macbeth Literature Guide
It is at this point, when Duncan announces Malcolm as his successor, that Macbeth knows Malcolm must be removed from the equation so that Macbeth can be king. 1. In Act One, Macbeth hears the witches prophecies that he will be Thane of Cawdor and then king. 2. In Act One, Lady Macbeth fears that Macbeth is too weak and ineffectual to go after what the witches have predicted. 3. In Act One, Macbeth says that he has no reason, other than his own ambitions, to kill the king. 4. At the end of Act One, Macbeth has doubts while Lady Macbeth calls him a coward, urging him to kill the king. 5. After Macbeth murders Duncan in Act Two, he is so horrified at what he has done that he forgets to plant the daggers on the king s men. 2011 Secondary Solutions - 61 - Macbeth Literature Guide