Act 2, Scene 1 Summary

Characters: Banquo, Fleance, Macbeth

Location: A court in the castle

Time: Almost midnight

Events: Macbeth meets Banquo during his troubled sleep, saying he is troubled by the three witches.Macbeth says they are not needed (he is lying to take action of killing Duncan) and says he is loyal to Duncan, which calms Banquo down. Afterwards, he sees a vision of a dagger lying before him, and decides to keep his word with Lady Macbeth and decides to kill Duncan.

Quotes:

• “That summons thee to heaven or to hell”.
• “Alarmed by the sentinel, the wolf, whose howl’s his watch, thus with stealthy pace”.

Act 2, Scene 2 Summary

Characters: Lady Macbeth, Macbeth

Location: Inside the castle of Duncan

Time: After midnight

Events: After killing Duncan, Macbeth goes to Lady Macbeth to tell her the deed is done. After realising he had the dagger in his hands he realises that his killing was unfortuitous. Lady Macbeth wants to know if he really did it and takes the dagger for herself.

No important quotes are used in this scene

Act 2, Scene 3 Summary

Characters: Porter, Macduff, Lenox, Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, Banquo, Malcolm, Donalbain

Location: Another room in Duncan’s castle

Time: Morning

Events: Everybody in the castle have noticed a change inside the castle. People begin to realise King Duncan has passed away during the night, revealing that he was murdered. Many people are very anxious and worried for the King as he has passed away and Macbeth and Lady Macbeth carry out the plan and stay silent. But do they know that Macbeth was the one who did it? Or will they stay blind to the truth and make Macbeth king? Time will tell!

No important quotes are used.

Act 2, Scene 4 Summary

Character: Rosse, Old Man, Macduff

Location: Outside Duncan’s castle

Time: Still morning

Events: Rosse is with an old man (which is his father) speaking of a vision, seeing Macbeth as a falcon killing King Duncan before his eyes. Macduff enters to tell Rosse the tale of Duncan’s death. He mentions about the soldiers killing him, which does surprise him. Rosse then sets his sights on heading to Fife, and bids farewell to the old man.