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Dec 17, 2025

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Macbeth Act 2 Scene 1 Summary and Analysis

user profile picture

Milly @milly_jthj

Act 2, Scene 1 of Macbeth is where everything changes - it's the night Duncan gets murdered. This... Show more

Banquo encounters Macbeth and
shares nis suspicions
"there's nusbandry in neaven, their
candies are all out"
- MB and LM call for darkness t

The Night Before Murder

Darkness dominates this scene - literally and symbolically. Banquo mentions that "their candles are all out," creating an atmosphere where evil thrives whilst good is snuffed out. Shakespeare uses this darkness to hide the Macbeths' crimes while showing that Banquo remains completely unaware of their murderous plans.

The contrast between Banquo and Macbeth couldn't be clearer here. Banquo dreamt about the witches but isn't letting their prophecies control him - he stays honourable and loyal. Meanwhile, Macbeth lies straight to his face, claiming "I think not of them" when the witches are literally all he thinks about.

Fleance enters carrying a torch - brilliant symbolism from Shakespeare. Since he's prophesied to father future kings, his association with light suggests he'll be a good ruler, unlike the darkness-dwelling Macbeth.

Key Point The dramatic irony here is intense - we know Macbeth's about to commit regicide whilst Banquo chatters away, completely oblivious.

Banquo promises to support Macbeth, but only if he can do so "honourably" - Shakespeare's hinting that this support won't last long once Banquo discovers what Macbeth's really like.

Macbeth's famous dagger soliloquy reveals his complete mental breakdown. "Is this a dagger which I see before me?" shows he's hallucinating from stress and guilt - even before he's committed the murder! The dagger guides him toward Duncan's room, possibly symbolising Lady Macbeth's manipulation.

The scene ends with supernatural references to Hecate, goddess of witchcraft, and Macbeth speaking in rhyming couplets like the witches. Shakespeare's showing us that Macbeth has fully embraced the dark side - there's no going back now.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

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I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

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English Literature

597

Dec 17, 2025

1 page

Macbeth Act 2 Scene 1 Summary and Analysis

user profile picture

Milly

@milly_jthj

Act 2, Scene 1 of Macbeth is where everything changes - it's the night Duncan gets murdered. This scene shows the stark difference between honourable Banquo and the increasingly desperate Macbeth, who's about to cross a line he can never... Show more

Banquo encounters Macbeth and
shares nis suspicions
"there's nusbandry in neaven, their
candies are all out"
- MB and LM call for darkness t

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

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The Night Before Murder

Darkness dominates this scene - literally and symbolically. Banquo mentions that "their candles are all out," creating an atmosphere where evil thrives whilst good is snuffed out. Shakespeare uses this darkness to hide the Macbeths' crimes while showing that Banquo remains completely unaware of their murderous plans.

The contrast between Banquo and Macbeth couldn't be clearer here. Banquo dreamt about the witches but isn't letting their prophecies control him - he stays honourable and loyal. Meanwhile, Macbeth lies straight to his face, claiming "I think not of them" when the witches are literally all he thinks about.

Fleance enters carrying a torch - brilliant symbolism from Shakespeare. Since he's prophesied to father future kings, his association with light suggests he'll be a good ruler, unlike the darkness-dwelling Macbeth.

Key Point: The dramatic irony here is intense - we know Macbeth's about to commit regicide whilst Banquo chatters away, completely oblivious.

Banquo promises to support Macbeth, but only if he can do so "honourably" - Shakespeare's hinting that this support won't last long once Banquo discovers what Macbeth's really like.

Macbeth's famous dagger soliloquy reveals his complete mental breakdown. "Is this a dagger which I see before me?" shows he's hallucinating from stress and guilt - even before he's committed the murder! The dagger guides him toward Duncan's room, possibly symbolising Lady Macbeth's manipulation.

The scene ends with supernatural references to Hecate, goddess of witchcraft, and Macbeth speaking in rhyming couplets like the witches. Shakespeare's showing us that Macbeth has fully embraced the dark side - there's no going back now.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

19

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

Similar Content

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Explore in-depth character analyses of Utterson, Jekyll, Hyde, and Lanyon in 'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde'. This study guide covers key themes, historical context, and significant quotes, providing essential insights for exam preparation. Ideal for students seeking to understand character development and thematic connections in this classic novella.

English LiteratureEnglish Literature
11

Key Macbeth Quotes Analysis

Explore pivotal quotes from Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' that reveal themes of ambition, guilt, and the supernatural. This analysis delves into character motivations, the impact of patriarchy, and the psychological turmoil faced by Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Ideal for students seeking a deeper understanding of the play's key concepts and character dynamics.

English LiteratureEnglish Literature
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Most popular content in English Literature

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Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

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iOS user

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Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user