Macbeth Act 2 Quiz
Questions: 16 · 10 minutes
1. Banquo admits that he has dreamed about the Weird Sisters. How does Macbeth respond?
He confesses that he has been planning to become king.
He claims that he does not think about them.
He says their predictions have already been disproved.
He warns Banquo that the sisters intend to harm Duncan.
2. In the Porter scene, “equivocation” most nearly refers to what kind of speech?
A prophecy that always predicts the opposite of what will happen
A comic monologue spoken directly to a royal audience
A formal confession delivered before a religious official
Language that misleads through ambiguity or carefully qualified truth
3. After killing Duncan, Macbeth is distressed that he cannot say “Amen.” What does this reaction reveal most clearly?
He feels spiritually alienated by what he has done.
He has forgotten the words because he is physically exhausted.
He suspects that Banquo has placed a curse on him.
He is worried that the prayer will awaken Duncan’s guards.
4. Macbeth returns from Duncan’s room carrying the bloody daggers and refuses to go back. How does Lady Macbeth respond?
She hides the daggers beneath Duncan’s bed.
She orders Macbeth to confess before the body is found.
She gives the daggers to Banquo and asks him to investigate.
She returns the daggers herself and smears the guards with blood.
5. Regardless of whether Lady Macbeth’s collapse is genuine or staged, what immediate dramatic effect does it have?
It reveals the location of the murder weapons.
It persuades Macduff to declare Macbeth innocent.
It diverts attention at a moment when questions are closing in on Macbeth.
It prevents Malcolm and Donalbain from leaving the castle.
6. In Act 2, Scene 1, what does Lady Macbeth’s bell signal to Macbeth?
Duncan has awakened and is calling for assistance.
Banquo has left the castle with Fleance.
The preparations are complete, and Macbeth should proceed with the murder.
Macduff has arrived earlier than expected.
7. What gift from Duncan does Banquo give Macbeth to pass on to Lady Macbeth?
A diamond
A ceremonial dagger
A gold crown
A royal ring
8. During Macbeth’s dagger vision, the imagined weapon appears to point toward Duncan’s chamber. What does this most strongly suggest?
Duncan has discovered the plot and is preparing to defend himself.
The Weird Sisters have physically placed a weapon in Macbeth’s path.
Macbeth’s murderous intention is shaping what he perceives and drawing him toward the deed.
Macbeth has decided to abandon the plan and return the dagger.
9. Where do Malcolm and Donalbain decide to flee after Duncan’s murder?
Malcolm goes to Ireland, while Donalbain goes to England.
Malcolm goes to Norway, while Donalbain goes to France.
Malcolm goes to England, while Donalbain goes to Ireland.
Malcolm goes to Fife, while Donalbain goes to Inverness.
10. Which character first discovers Duncan’s murdered body?
Banquo
Macduff
Malcolm
Lennox
11. Across Act 2, sleep is repeatedly associated with peace and innocence. What does Macbeth’s belief that he has “murdered sleep” imply?
He expects Duncan to awaken and identify him.
His crime has destroyed his own sense of inner peace and natural rest.
He believes becoming king will leave no time for rest.
He plans to keep the entire castle awake until the guards confess.
12. Why does Lady Macbeth say she did not kill Duncan herself?
She feared that the guards would recognize her.
The sleeping Duncan resembled her father.
She could not locate Macbeth’s dagger.
She believed Duncan was still awake.
13. After Duncan’s body is discovered, Macbeth says he killed the guards in a burst of loyal fury. Why does this action complicate the situation?
It removes possible witnesses and exposes Macbeth’s capacity for sudden violence.
It proves that the guards had already confessed to the crime.
It allows the guards to escape and accuse Macbeth publicly.
It causes Malcolm to inherit the throne immediately.
14. What is the dramatic function of the Porter’s imagined role as the gatekeeper of hell?
It shows that Duncan had ordered the castle gates permanently closed.
It proves that the Porter knows Macbeth murdered Duncan.
It introduces a supernatural guard sent by the Weird Sisters.
It provides grim comedy while reinforcing the idea that Macbeth’s castle has become hell-like.
15. What phrase does Macbeth believe a voice cries after Duncan’s murder?
“Macbeth shall sleep no more.”
“Out, damned spot!”
“Fair is foul, and foul is fair.”
“Something wicked this way comes.”
16. At the end of Act 2, why does the flight of Malcolm and Donalbain increase suspicion against them?
They take Duncan’s crown and weapons with them.
They publicly accuse each other before leaving.
They admit that they hired the guards to kill Duncan.
Their attempt to protect themselves can be interpreted as evidence of guilt.