Macbeth Group

Question:

chucksldy1
chucksldy1
Student
College - Senior

In Macbeth, how does the nocturnal setting of Act II, Scene 1, contribute to the scene's overall mood or atmosphere?

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Posted by chucksldy1 on Thursday March 12, 2009 at 8:28 PM and tagged with act ii, atmosphere, banquo, fleance, macbeth, mood, night, shakespeare, themes.

Answers:

  1. mshurn
    mshurn Teacher
    College - Freshman

    As Act II opens, Duncan's murder is at hand, soon to be accomplished while he sleeps. Shakespeare immediately establishes a dark and foreboding tone through Banquo's opening dialog with Fleance concerning the night at hand. There is no moon; no stars are visible; all is unusually quiet. Banquo is unable to sleep, despite being very tired. As Banquo takes off his sword and belt to unburden himself, he hands them off to Fleance while explaining his feelings:

    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!

    When Macbeth and a servant enter, unidentified, Banquo immediately reaches for his sword that Fleance holds. He is very tense and nervous. The tone of the scene builds suspense as the audience awaits Duncan's murder.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/macbeth/act-ii-summary-analysis
    http://www.enotes.com/macbeth/banquo-character-analysis

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    Posted by mshurn on Thursday March 12, 2009 at 9:43 PM