ISC Class 11 English Drama Macbeth Act 2 Scene 1 Summary, Theme, Explanation along with difficult word meanings
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ISC Class 11 – Macbeth Act 2 Scene 1
By William Shakespeare
Act 2, Scene 1 of Macbeth begins with Banquo and his son Fleance walking in the castle yard at night, discussing their uneasy sleep and the witches’ predictions. Macbeth then comes in, and they have a tense talk where Macbeth pretends to forget the prophecies, even as he tries to get Banquo’s support. After Banquo leaves, Macbeth sees a bloody dagger, which he believes is a supernatural sign telling him to kill King Duncan. The scene ends with a bell ringing, signalling Lady Macbeth that it’s time to kill the king.
- Macbeth Act 2 Scene 1 Summary
- Macbeth Act 2 Scene 1 Summary in Hindi
- Macbeth Act 2 Scene 1 Theme
- Macbeth Act 2 Scene 1 Explanation
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Macbeth Act 2 Scene 1 Summary
The scene opens late at night in Macbeth’s castle, Inverness. Banquo enters with his son, Fleance, who is carrying a torch. It’s so dark that Banquo notes, ‘There’s husbandry in heaven; Their candles are all out’, meaning the stars are not shining, as if heaven is saving its resources like a thrifty farmer. Banquo feels extremely uneasy and heavy-hearted, unable to sleep. He prays for help to control the ‘cursèd thoughts’ that haunt him when he rests, implying he is struggling with the temptation of the witches’ prophecies, even in his dreams.
Macbeth enters with a servant. Banquo is surprised to see him awake so late and tells him that King Duncan is already in bed, having had a wonderful evening. As a sign of his gratitude, Duncan has sent several gifts to the household, including a diamond for Lady Macbeth, calling her his ‘most kind hostess’. Macbeth apologizes that their preparations for the King’s visit were not better, claiming they were ‘unprepared’.
Banquo then brings up the Witches, mentioning that he dreamt of the ‘three Weird Sisters’ and acknowledges that their prophecy about Macbeth becoming king seems to be coming true. Macbeth pretends to have forgotten about them, saying, ‘I think not of them’. However, he immediately suggests that they should talk about the prophecies later when they have time.
Macbeth then subtly tests Banquo’s loyalty. He says that if Banquo will agree to his future plan or side with him when the time comes, it will result in great honor for him. Banquo’s response is cautious and noble: he agrees to listen to Macbeth, but only if he can gain honor without losing his own honor or ‘allegiance clear’, meaning he will not betray his king or his conscience. They exchange good night, and Banquo and Fleance exit.
Macbeth is now alone, and he tells his servant to go to bed, instructing him to tell Lady Macbeth to ring the bell when his drink is ready, which is their secret signal that all is prepared for the murder.
Alone on stage, Macbeth begins his famous soliloquy. He sees a terrifying vision of a dagger floating in the air, its handle pointing toward his hand. He tries to grab it but cannot. He wonders if it is real or just a hallucination, a false fabrication of his feverish, stressed brain.
He realizes the visionary dagger is leading him toward Duncan’s room, mirroring the weapon he is already drawing from his belt. As he stares, he sees ‘gouts of blood’ appear on the blade and handle, which weren’t there before. He concludes the dagger is not real, it is the horrifying nature of the bloody act he is about to commit that is making his eyes see this vision.
Macbeth then reflects on the darkness of the moment, noting that the whole world seems dead and wicked dreams are tormenting sleepers. He calls upon the solid earth not to hear his steps as he moves like a ghost toward the murder.
Just as he finishes his thoughts, the bell rings, which is Lady Macbeth’s signal. This sound snaps him out of his conflicted state. Macbeth declared that he would go and the murder would be done, stating that the bell was inviting him. He addressed the sleeping Duncan, urging him not to hear the bell, for it is a deathbell that calls him to heaven or to hell and exited to commit the murder.
Summary of Macbeth Act 2 Scene 1 in Hindi
मैकबेथ के महल, इनवर्नेस में देर रात को दृश्य खुलता है। बैंको अपने बेटे, फ्लेंस के साथ प्रवेश करता है, जो एक मशाल ले जा रहा है। यह इतना अंधेरा है कि बैंको नोट करता है, ‘स्वर्ग में पशुपालन है; उनकी मोमबत्तियाँ सब खत्म हो गई हैं’, जिसका अर्थ है कि तारे चमक नहीं रहे हैं, जैसे कि स्वर्ग अपने संसाधनों को एक मितव्ययी किसान की तरह बचा रहा है। बैंको बहुत असहज और भारी मन महसूस करता है, सोने में असमर्थ है। वह उन ‘शापित विचारों’ को नियंत्रित करने के लिए मदद के लिए प्रार्थना करता है जो उसे आराम करते समय परेशान करते हैं, जिसका अर्थ है कि वह अपने सपनों में भी चुड़ैलों की भविष्यवाणियों के प्रलोभन से जूझ रहा है।
मैकबेथ एक नौकर के साथ प्रवेश करता है। बैंको उसे इतनी देर से जागते हुए देखकर हैरान हो जाता है और उसे बताता है कि राजा डंकन पहले से ही बिस्तर पर है, एक अद्भुत शाम बिताई है। अपने आभार के प्रतीक के रूप में, डंकन ने घर को बड़ी मात्रा में उपहार भेजे हैं, जिसमें लेडी मैकबेथ के लिए एक हीरा भी शामिल है, जिसमें उन्हें अपनी ‘सबसे दयालु परिचारिका’ कहा गया है। मैकबेथ माफी मांगता है कि राजा की यात्रा के लिए उनकी तैयारी बेहतर नहीं थी, यह दावा करते हुए कि वे ‘अप्रस्तुत’ थे।
बैंको तब चुड़ैलों को सामने लाता है, यह उल्लेख करते हुए कि उसने ‘तीन अजीब बहनों’ का सपना देखा था और स्वीकार करता है कि मैकबेथ के राजा बनने के बारे में उनकी भविष्यवाणी सच होती दिख रही है। मैकबेथ उनके बारे में भूलने का नाटक करते हुए कहता है, ‘मैं उनके बारे में नहीं सोचता’। हालाँकि, वह तुरंत सुझाव देते हैं कि उन्हें बाद में भविष्यवाणियों के बारे में बात करनी चाहिए जब उनके पास समय हो।
मैकबेथ तब सूक्ष्मता से बैंको की वफादारी का परीक्षण करता है। उनका कहना है कि अगर बैंको ‘मेरी सहमति से चिपके रहेंगे’, जिसका अर्थ है, समय आने पर उनकी भविष्य की योजना या उनका साथ देने के लिए सहमत होंगे, तो यह उनके लिए बहुत सम्मान की बात होगी। बैंको की प्रतिक्रिया सतर्क और महान हैः वह मैकबेथ को सुनने के लिए सहमत होता है, लेकिन केवल तभी जब वह अपना सम्मान या ‘स्पष्ट निष्ठा’ खोए बिना सम्मान प्राप्त कर सकता है, जिसका अर्थ है कि वह अपने राजा या अपने विवेक को धोखा नहीं देगा। वे शुभ रात्रि का आदान-प्रदान करते हैं, और बैंको और फ्लेंस बाहर निकल जाते हैं।
मैकबेथ अब अकेला है, और वह अपने नौकर को बिस्तर पर जाने के लिए कहता है, उसे निर्देश देता है कि जब उसका पेय तैयार हो जाए तो लेडी मैकबेथ को घंटी बजाने के लिए कहें, जो उनका गुप्त संकेत है कि हत्या के लिए सब कुछ तैयार है।
मंच पर अकेले, मैकबेथ अपनी प्रसिद्ध स्वगत की शुरुआत करता है। वह हवा में तैरते हुए एक खंजर का एक भयानक दृश्य देखता है, जिसका हैंडल उसके हाथ की ओर इशारा करता है। वह उसे पकड़ने की कोशिश करता है लेकिन नहीं कर पाता। वह सोचता है कि क्या यह वास्तविक है या सिर्फ एक मतिभ्रम है, जो उसके बुखार, तनावग्रस्त मस्तिष्क की ‘झूठी रचना’ है।
उसे पता चलता है कि दूरदर्शी खंजर उसे डंकन के कमरे की ओर ले जा रहा है, उस हथियार को प्रतिबिंबित कर रहा है जो वह पहले से ही अपनी बेल्ट से खींच रहा है। जैसे ही वह टकटकी लगाता है, वह देखता है कि ब्लेड और हैंडल पर ‘खून के गठिया’ दिखाई देते हैं, जो पहले नहीं थे। वह निष्कर्ष निकालता है कि खंजर वास्तविक नहीं है, यह उस खूनी कार्य की भयावह प्रकृति है जो वह करने वाला है जो उसकी आँखों को इस दृष्टि को देख रहा है।
मैकबेथ तब उस क्षण के अंधेरे पर विचार करता है, यह देखते हुए कि पूरी दुनिया मृत प्रतीत होती है और दुष्ट सपने सो रहे लोगों को पीड़ित कर रहे हैं। वह ठोस पृथ्वी से आह्वान करता है कि वह उसके कदमों को न सुने क्योंकि वह हत्या की ओर ‘भूत की तरह’ बढ़ता है।
जैसे ही वह अपने विचारों को समाप्त करता है, घंटी बजती है, जो लेडी मैकबेथ का संकेत है। यह ध्वनि उसे अपनी विवादित स्थिति से बाहर निकालती है। वह घोषणा करता है, ‘मैं जाता हूँ, और यह हो गया’। वह सोते हुए राजा डंकन को घंटी न सुनने के लिए कहता है, क्योंकि यह एक ‘घुटना/जो आपको स्वर्ग या नरक में बुलाता है’। फिर वह हत्या करने के लिए बाहर निकलता है।
Theme of Macbeth Act 2 Scene 1
Ambition and Corrupting Influence
This scene is the final moment before Macbeth murders King Duncan, showing the destructive power of his unchecked ambition. The entire sequence is focused on Macbeth steeling himself for the bloody deed. His earlier conversation with Banquo highlights the theme of how the witches’ prophecies are affecting different people. Banquo, though tempted, prays for the strength to resist the ‘cursed thoughts’ that nature gives way to. Macbeth, in stark contrast, pretends to ‘think not of the Weïrd Sisters’, proving his deception and his full commitment to making the prophecies come true by his own hand. He even subtly tries to test Banquo’s willingness to join him, hinting at future honor if Banquo will ‘cleave to my consent’, but Banquo refuses to compromise his clear allegiance to the king.
Guilt, Madness, and Illusion
The most famous part of this scene is Macbeth’s ‘dagger of the mind’ soliloquy, which powerfully explores the themes of guilt and illusion. As he walks to commit the murder, he hallucinates a bloody dagger floating in the air, its handle pointing toward his hand. This vision is not real; it is a ‘false creation / Proceeding from the heat-oppressed brain’. The dagger is a physical manifestation of his inner turmoil and pre-meditated guilt before the act is even performed. It shows that his mind is already being consumed by the horror of what he is about to do. The illusion disappears only after he accepts the reality that it is ‘the bloody business which informs / Thus to mine eyes’.
Darkness, Evil, and the Supernatural
The atmosphere of the scene reinforces the theme of evil and the supernatural. The setting itself is one of deep darkness, Banquo notes that ‘The moon is down’, and ‘Their candles are all out’, suggesting that Heaven is withholding its light and witnessing the dark deed. Macbeth’s descent into evil is marked by his invocation of darkness to hide his crime, asking the ‘firm-set earth’ not to hear his steps. He refers to the murder as a time when ‘Nature seems dead’ and ‘Witchcraft celebrates’, explicitly aligning his actions with the forces of night and evil. The ringing of the bell, signaled by Lady Macbeth, seals his decision, serving as a death-bell for King Duncan.
Setting of the Scene
The scene takes place very late, likely after midnight. Banquo notes, ‘The moon is down. I have not heard the clock’, and suspect it’s later than twelve. This late hour contributes to the dark and secretive atmosphere that surrounds Macbeth’s plot. The location is an open space just outside the main living areas of the castle, a transitional space where characters can encounter one another away from the King’s bedchambers. The setting is characterized by darkness and silence. Banquo mentions, ‘There’s husbandry in heaven; / Their candles are all out’, suggesting that even the stars are obscured. This lack of light, emphasized by the use of torches carried by Fleance and Macbeth’s servant, reinforces the theme of moral darkness and the secrecy of the crime Macbeth is about to commit. The quietness is stressed when Macbeth, alone, sees the vision of the dagger. The silence allows for the intense focus on his internal conflict and prepares the audience for the violent act that follows, as he fears even the stones might ‘prate of my whereabouts’. The entire setting is deliberately designed to feel frightening, tense, and isolated, fitting for the moments just before the King’s murder.
Macbeth Act 2 Scene 1 Explanation
Play
The scene takes place in the castle of Inverness. The king has gone off to sleep extremely pleased with the hospitality. After a brief discussion about the witches’ prophecies with Macbeth, Banquo too retires to bed with his son Fleance. Macbeth being alone in his soliloquy, sees an air-borne dagger that moves towards Duncan’s bedroom. The dagger seems to be covered with blood. The bell rings and Macbeth stealthily moves up to Duncan’s chamber.
Word Meanings
Inverness: A town (or specifically, a castle) in Scotland; the setting where Duncan is staying.
hospitality: The friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers.
prophecies: Predictions of what will happen in the future, often spoken by a supernatural power
retires: Goes to bed
soliloquy: An act of speaking one’s thoughts aloud when by oneself or regardless of any hearers, especially by a character in a play; a solo speech.
air-borne: Carried or transported by the air.
stealthily: In a cautious and surreptitious manner, so as not to be seen or heard; secretly and quietly.
chamber: A private room, typically used for sleeping.
Explanation of the above dialogues— The events described take place late at night within Macbeth’s castle at Inverness. King Duncan had retired to bed, feeling exceptionally pleased and completely satisfied with the hospitality he received. Following a brief conversation during which they both acknowledged and discussed the predictions made by the three Witches, Banquo and his son, Fleance, also went off to sleep. Once alone, Macbeth began his soliloquy, during which he experienced a vivid hallucination: he saw a dagger floating in the air that seemed to be leading him directly toward King Duncan’s bedroom. As he watched, the phantom weapon appeared to become stained with drops of blood. The silence was then broken by the ringing of a bell, which served as Macbeth’s signal. Upon hearing this, Macbeth proceeded stealthily and quietly toward Duncan’s chamber to commit the planned murder.
Play
Scene 1. Inverness. Court of Macbeth’s castle.
Enter Banquo, and Fleance, with a torch-bearer before him.
Banquo
How goes the night, boy?
Fleance
The moon is down; I have not heard the clock.
Banquo
And she goes down at twelve.
Fleance
I take’t, ’tis later, sir.
Banquo
Hold, take my sword. There’s husbandry in heaven,
Their candles are all out. Take thee that too.
A heavy summons lies like lead upon me,
And yet I would not sleep. Merciful powers,
Restrain in me the cursed thoughts that nature
Gives way to in repose!
Give me my sword.
Who’s there?
Enter Macbeth, and a Servant with a torch
Word Meanings
she: moon
take’t: I believe.
husbandry: economy or thrift.
candles: stars.
that: piece of his armour.
summons: call.
Restrain: stop.
cursed thoughts: ambitious thoughts which are wicked.
in repose: while resting or sleeping
Explanation of the above dialogues— The scene opens in the courtyard of Macbeth’s castle at Inverness late at night. Banquo and his son, Fleance, entered, with Fleance carrying a torch. Banquo asked Fleance how late it was. Fleance replied that the moon was down and he had not heard the clock strike. Banquo noted that the moon set at twelve o’clock, leading Fleance to estimate that it was later than midnight. Banquo then instructed Fleance to take his sword. He commented that the heavens were practicing thrift, as the stars were all put out, emphasizing the extreme darkness of the night. He also gave Fleance something else, likely a cloak or belt. Banquo confessed that a great weariness lay heavily upon him, yet he actively resisted sleep. He then prayed to the ‘merciful powers’ to restrain the wicked and tempting thoughts that the natural human mind often gives way to when resting. Hearing someone approach, Banquo asked for his sword back and challenged the approaching figure. Macbeth then entered with a servant carrying a torch, identifying himself simply as a friend. The darkness is not just a description of the hour; the literal darkness mirrors the moral darkness descending upon the castle.Banquo’s soliloquy serves to draw a sharp moral contrast between him and Macbeth. Banquo openly admits he is tempted by the ‘cursed thoughts’ i.e. the prophecies of kingship for his sons. However, unlike Macbeth who has embraced his ambition, Banquo actively prays for divine intervention to ‘Restrain’ these thoughts. This establishes Banquo as the moral foil to Macbeth, a man who acknowledges and fights the evil temptation, rather than succumbing to it.
Play
Macbeth
A friend.
Banquo
What, sir, not yet at rest? The king’s a-bed:
He hath been in unusual pleasure, and
Sent forth great largess to your offices:
This diamond he greets your wife withal,
By the name of most kind hostess; and shut up
In measureless content.
Macbeth
Being unprepared,
Our will became the servant to defect;
Which else should free have wrought.
Banquo
All’s well.
I dreamt last night of the three weird sisters:
To you they have show’d some truth.
Macbeth
I think not of them:
Yet, when we can entreat an hour to serve,
We would spend it in some words upon that
business, If you would grant the time,
Banquo
At your kind’st leisure.
Macbeth
If you shall cleave to my consent, when ’tis,
It shall make honour for you.
Word Meanings
a-bed: In bed; asleep.
unusual pleasure: Exceptionally good spirits or happiness.
largess: Generous gifts or money given out specifically to the servants/officers
withal: with.
and shut up: retired to sleep.
measureless content: limitless satisfaction.
wrought: Worked, or carried out
Weird Sisters: The three Witches Weird derives from the Anglo-Saxon word wyrd, meaning fate or destiny.
entreat: spare.
to serve: for our purpose.
in some words: in a talk with you.
cleave: cling.
consent: advice.
Explanation of the above dialogues— The scene begins with Banquo recognizing Macbeth and confirming his identity. Banquo then expressed surprise that Macbeth was not yet asleep, noting that King Duncan had already retired. Banquo reported that the King had been in an exceptionally pleasant mood and had sent generous gifts to Macbeth’s servants’ quarters. He further explained that Duncan had sent a diamond for Lady Macbeth, acknowledging her as a most kind hostess, and had gone to bed in boundless happiness. Macbeth responded by apologizing that, because he was unprepared, his good intentions and will to serve were limited by his lack of preparation; otherwise, he would have served the King more freely. Banquo assured him that everything was fine. Banquo then admitted that he had dreamt of the three Weird Sisters the previous night and that their prophecies had already shown some truth to Macbeth. Macbeth falsely claimed that he did not think about them at all. However, he quickly suggested that when they had a free hour, he would like to discuss that ‘business’ with Banquo, provided Banquo had the time. Banquo politely agreed to talk at Macbeth’s earliest convenience. Macbeth then proposed that if Banquo would align himself with Macbeth’s plans when the time came, it would bring Banquo honour. The entire exchange is saturated with dramatic irony. King Duncan’s gift of diamond shows his trust and security while sleeping in Macbeth’s castle, where he would be murdered.
Play
Banquo
So I lose none
In seeking to augment it, but still keep
My bosom franchised and allegiance clear,
I shall be counsell’d.
Macbeth
Good repose the while!
Banquo
Thanks, sir: the like to you!
[Exeunt Banquo and Fleance
Macbeth
[To Servant] Go bid thy mistress, when my drink is ready,
She strike upon the bell. Get thee to bed.
[Exit Servant
Is this a dagger which I see before me,
The handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee:
I have thee not, and yet I see thee still.
Art thou not, fatal vision, sensible
To feeling as to sight? Or art thou but
A dagger of the mind, a false creation,
Proceeding from the heat-oppressed brain?
I see thee yet, in form as palpable
As this which now I draw.
Thou marshall’st me the way that I was going;
And such an instrument I was to use.
Mine eyes are made the fools o’ the other senses,
Or else worth all the rest, I see thee still;
And on thy blade and dudgeon gouts of blood,
Which was not so before. There’s no such thing:
It is the bloody business which informs
Thus to mine eyes. Now o’er the one half-world
Nature seems dead, and wicked dreams abuse
The curtain’d sleep; witchcraft celebrates
Pale Hecate’s offerings; and wither’d murder,
Alarum’d by his sentinel, the wolf,
Whose howl’s his watch, thus with his stealthy pace,
With Tarquin’s ravishing strides, towards his design
Moves like a ghost. Thou sure and firm-set earth,
Hear not my steps, which way they walk, for fear
Thy very stones prate of my whereabout,
And take the present horror from the time,
Which now suits with it. Whiles I threat, he lives:
Words to the heat of deeds too cold breath gives.
A bell rings
I go, and it is done; the bell invites me.
Hear it not, Duncan; for it is a knell
That summons thee to heaven or to hell.
[Exit
Meanings
none: no honour.
augment: increase.
bosom franchised: heart free from obligation.
allegiance clear: totally loyalty transparent.
counsell’d: follow your advice.
the while: meanwhile.
strike upon the bell: ring the bell as a signal for me (to commit the murder.)
false creation: A hallucination or imaginary object.
heat-oppressed: Overwhelmed by fever, anxiety, or internal turmoil.
palpable: Capable of being touched or felt; tangible.
marshall’st: Leads or guides.
dudgeon: The handle or hilt of a dagger.
gouts: Drops or large splashes specifically of blood.
bloody business: here, the murder.
informs: takes form.
one half-world: one hemisphere.
wicked dreams: evil dreams.
abuse: deceive.
witchcraft celebrates: the witches perform the rites.
Hecate’s: goddess of the moon and witches.
wither’d murder: murder pictured as an old man.
Alarum’d: aroused to action.
watch: cry of the night watchman calling the hour.
stealthy: slow and silent.
With Tarquin’s ravishing strides: Roman tyrant, Tarquin with quick soundless steps approached his friend’s wife Lucrece’s bed with the aim of molesting her.
design: aim.
sure and firm-set earth: immovable and deeply rooted earth.
prate: talk, tell tales.
take the present horror: break the terrible silence.
it: the time for the murder.
knell: a bell rung to announce a death.
Explanation of the above dialogues— Banquo replied to Macbeth’s proposition to align with his plans for future honor by stating that he would agree to be advised only if he could gain without losing any honor and could keep his conscience free and his loyalty to the King untainted. Macbeth wished Banquo a good rest, and Banquo returned the wish before he and his son, Fleance, exited. Left alone, Macbeth instructed his servant to tell Lady Macbeth to strike the bell when his drink was ready, and then to go to bed, dismissing the servant. Macbeth then began his famous soliloquy, asking himself if the dagger he saw floating before him was real, with its handle pointing toward his hand. He commanded it to come so he could grab it, but admitted he couldn’t touch it, though he could still see it. He questioned whether the deadly vision was tangible or merely a ‘dagger of the mind,’ a hallucination caused by his anxious, feverish brain. He realized he could still see it, and it appeared as solid as the real dagger he then drew. He observed that the phantom dagger was leading him down the very path he intended to follow, and it was the kind of weapon he was going to use. He wondered if his eyes were fooling his other senses or if they were more truthful than the rest. He saw the phantom dagger again, but this time its blade and handle were covered with drops of blood, which had not been there moments before. He concluded that the vision was not real, but that the impending bloody deed was making his eyes see it this way. He spoke of how in the sleeping world, nature seems inert, and nightmares plague those who sleep. He imagined witchcraft celebrating dark rituals and murder, alerted by the howl of the wolf, creeping toward his victim with the stealthy strides of the rapist Tarquin. He pleaded with the solid, firm earth not to hear his footsteps, lest the stones reveal his whereabouts and spoil the terrifying silence that was perfect for his crime. He acknowledged that while he wasted time speaking and threatening, Duncan lived, concluding that words cool the heat of deeds. The bell rang, and Macbeth declared that he would go and the murder would be done, stating that the bell was inviting him. He addressed the sleeping Duncan, urging him not to hear the bell, ‘for it is a knell that summons thee to heaven or to hell,’ and exited to commit the murder. Banquo’s condition to keep his ‘bosom franchised and allegiance clear’ is a stark, explicit rejection of the treason Macbeth had subtly proposed. The dagger hallucination is not an external command from the Witches, but a powerful stress-induced symptom of Macbeth’s moral crisis. The dagger is the physical manifestation of his guilt and his homicidal intent. Macbeth’s language shifts entirely from questioning a hallucination to invoking the powers of darkness. By referencing Hecate and the ‘wither’d murder’ alerted by the wolf’s howl, Macbeth actively aligns his act with the supernatural and the monstrous. The comparison to Tarquin’s ravishing strides equates the killing of a king with the most heinous and stealthy crimes of violation. The bell, meant as a simple domestic signal, is transformed in his final couplet into a ‘knell’, a sound of death for Duncan.
Conclusion
Act 2, Scene 1 of Macbeth begins with Banquo and his son Fleance walking in the castle yard at night, discussing their uneasy sleep and the witches’ predictions. Macbeth then comes in, and they have a tense talk where Macbeth pretends to forget the prophecies, even as he tries to get Banquo’s support. After Banquo leaves, Macbeth sees a bloody dagger, which he believes is a supernatural sign telling him to kill King Duncan. The scene ends with a bell ringing, signalling Lady Macbeth that it’s time to kill the king. Students can take help from this post to understand Act 2, Scene 1 and also learn the difficult word meanings to get a better grasp of Macbeth. This post includes a summary of Macbeth, which will help students of ISC class 11, to get a quick recap of the play.