Macbeth Act 3: Scene 2 By: Amanda, Donnie, Carly & Sierra

Lines 11-27: What animal imagery does Macbeth use? What does he mean by “scorched the snake, not killed it”? in what ways is the image of a snake ironic, coming from Macbeth? “We have scorched the snake, not killed it.” He means that they have killed Duncan but they still are not safe. The image of the snake is ironic because Macbeth really is the snake.

What is the meaning of Lady Macbeth’s saying: “Naught’s had, all’s spent,/Where our desire is got without content”? “If you get what you want and still not happy, you’ve spent everything and gained nothing.”

Lines 18-28, from affliction does Macbeth suffer? He is suffering mental torture from the guilt of killing Duncan.

Lines 29-34: What instruction does Macbeth give Lady Macbeth with regard to speaking about Banquo? Which phrase suggests they should hide their true feelings? What does Lady Macbeth’s comment in line 34 tell the reader about the difference between Macbeth’s words and the way he might be acting? Macbeth tells Lady Macbeth to give Banquo special attention. “Talk to him and look at him in a way that will make him feel important. We’re in a dangerous situation, where we have to flatter him and hide our true feelings.”

Lines 51-52: Explain how Macbeth describes the ending of the day. Which words describe the images of predators and prey? What might “black agents” refer to? How does this imagery contribute to the overall mood of scene 2? He says the gentle creatures of the day are falling asleep, while night’s predators are waking up to look for their prey. “Nights black agents to their preys do rouse-” This imagery makes the mood more creepy.

In line 39, Lady Macbeth says, “You must leave this.” What does she mean? He has to stop talking the way that he has been, give attention, and make sure Banquo feels important.

Examine macbeth’s dialogue and explain the reason macbeth gives for ordering fleance killed in lines Macbeth believes that they are friends and may have friends in common, so he orders killers to do it so that he is not blamed for the murder.

How is the planning of Banquo’s murder quite different from that of Duncan’s? Cite text evidence from scenes i and ii. Duncan’s murder was not really all that planned out, Lady Macbeth had a plan, but Macbeth was not aware until Lady Macbeth told him to kill Duncan. Banquo’s murder everyone has some suspicion and kinda know of what is going to happen.

Understandment Lady Macbeth understands what Macbeth says about being nice Banquo and talking to him like he is a very important person. Tone/Mood “Light thickens, and the crow/makes wing to th’ rooky wood./ Good things of day begin to droop and drowse;/ whiles night's black agents to their preys do rouse.” Imagery “Ere the bat hath flown/His cloistered flight, ere to black Hecate’s summons/The shard-borne beetle with his drowsy hums/Hath rung night’s yawning peal, there shall be done/A deed of dreadful note.” Conflict Lady Macbeth: “You have to stop talking like this.” Macbeth: “Argh! I feel like my mind is full of scorpions.” Metaphor “We have scorched the snake, not killed it.”