Act 2 Scene 1

“The moon is down” – moon is a symbol of femininity. (“Unsex me”)

• Lady Macbeth does not commit the murder – is she a cunning manipulator or a devoted, loving wife trying to ensure her husband reaches his ambition?

Act 2 Scene 2

• Macbeth: “these hangman’s hands”
• Lady Macbeth: “these deeds must not be thought After these ways; so, it will make us mad”. – foreshadowing
• Main message – power corrupts, guilt leads to insanity
  Queen Elizabeth the first was in power – perhaps inspiration for a strong female
• LM – “noble” links to Duncan calling Macbeth “noble”
• LM to M – “Go…” commanding again showing the power of her character and unconventional heroism.
• M – “they pluck out mine eyes” links to LM “plucking” the babe from her nipple. Shakespeare uses language to link both characters thus linking the capability for evil that both share.
• Macbeth feels guilt before the end of Act 2 scene 2 – this shows his quick realisation of his wrong doing and the presence of his conscience.
• Bloody hands now symbolise guilt.
• There is a moral message in this text: we can escape our sins
• LM – “a little water clears of our deeds” vs M – “Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood…No” CONTRAST in guilt
• M – Wake Duncan with thy knocking! I would thou couldst” – shows his remorse/regret