Macbeth Ext 8: Flashcards
(12 cards)
Act 2, Scene 2 – After Duncan’s Murder
Macbeth and Lady Macbeth react to the killing of King Duncan.
MACBETH
This is a sorry sight.
(Looking on his hands)
LADY MACBETH
A foolish thought, to say a sorry sight.
MACBETH
There’s one did laugh in’s sleep, and one cried
‘Murder!’
That they did wake each other: I stood and heard them:
But they did say their prayers, and address’d them
Again to sleep.
LADY MACBETH
There are two lodged together.
MACBETH
One cried ‘God bless us!’ and ‘Amen’ the other;
As they had seen me with these hangman’s hands.
Listening their fear, I could not say ‘Amen,’
When they did say ‘God bless us!’
LADY MACBETH
Consider it not so deeply.
MACBETH
But wherefore could not I pronounce ‘Amen’?
I had most need of blessing, and ‘Amen’
Stuck in my throat.
LADY MACBETH
These deeds must not be thought
After these ways; so, it will make us mad.
MACBETH
Methought I heard a voice cry ‘Sleep no more!
Macbeth does murder sleep,’ the innocent sleep,
Sleep that knits up the ravell’d sleeve of care,
The death of each day’s life, sore labour’s bath,
Balm of hurt minds, great nature’s second course,
Chief nourisher in life’s feast,-
What is happening in this extract (Macbeth reacts to killing Duncan)?
Macbeth has just killed Duncan. He’s in shock and full of guilt. Lady Macbeth tries to calm him down, but he’s already feeling the consequences.
Why does Macbeth’s guilt threaten to ruin everything? (use ‘to expose’)
To expose how Macbeth’s guilt is affecting his mind, showing how unstable and paranoid he’s becoming.
Why does Macbeth’s guilt threaten to ruin everything? (use ‘to reveal the importance of’)
To reveal the importance of mental strength — Macbeth is already crumbling after just one murder.
Why does Macbeth’s guilt threaten to ruin everything? (use ‘to warn’)
To warn that doing something evil can destroy your inner peace forever.
Why is Macbeth disturbed that he couldn’t say ‘Amen’?
He sees it as a sign that he’s lost his connection to God and goodness. He needed a blessing but couldn’t say the word — it terrifies him.
What does ‘Macbeth does murder sleep’ mean?
It means Macbeth has destroyed his own ability to rest or feel peace. He’ll be haunted forever by what he’s done.
How does Lady Macbeth try to gain control in this scene?
She tells him to stop thinking deeply or they’ll go mad. She tries to keep him focused and composed while covering up the crime.
Where else in the play do we see sleep as a symbol or theme?
Sleep is mentioned later when Lady Macbeth goes mad — she sleepwalks and reveals their crimes. It becomes a symbol of guilt and unrest.
Choose one theme that links to this extract and explain how.
Theme: Guilt and Conscience — Macbeth is already breaking down emotionally and mentally after the murder.
Choose another theme that links to this extract and explain how.
Theme: The Supernatural — The voice crying ‘Sleep no more!’ seems like a curse, showing how the supernatural haunts him.
Extra challenge: Is Macbeth beyond saving after this moment?
Agree — this is the turning point where Macbeth crosses a moral line. Even he knows it. His guilt and fear suggest there’s no going back.
