Act II Scene 2 is a good example of Shakespeare creating a sudden dramatic scene, different from previous scenes in the play. Shakespeare increased the dramatic tension in this scene not only from what the characters say but also how they say it. Many of the speeches return constantly to key words. God plays a large part in this scene. It was believed, during Shakespeare’s time, that the king was chosen by God and was the closest thing on earth to a prophet. Therefore effectively when he murdered Duncan, he murdered his relationship and bond with God. Many of Macbeth’s speeches return to the word ‘Amen’; but he “…could not say ‘Amen’ when they did say ‘God bless us!’ ” He needs blessing but he cannot say it, “stuck in my throat”.

During this scene Lady Macbeth reveals to the audience hints of weakness when she is alone and waiting for Macbeths return, during her soliloquies. Beforehand she was very strong, self assured and determined, “what cannot you and I perform capon Th’unguarded Duncan?” She was willing and prepared to commit a terrible murder. However right at the opening of the scene the audience can tell that she is anxious; she repeats herself, “That which hath made them drunk hath made me bold” and “What hath quenched them hath given me fire.” This reference to fire implies an interesting image. The situation she is in is not unlike a fire, it can easily become out of control; her feelings are becoming hard to control. She also mutters exclamatory utterances, “Hark! Peace!” which show her feelings of anxiety. She later admits that was unable to commit the murder herself because “had he not resembled my father as he slept, I had done’t.” Subconsciously, then, she feels guilty and realises the moral faults in this murder. When Macbeth enters he shouts “Who’s there? What ho!”, it makes the audience feel uneasy, because we think they are going to get caught, with her being drunk and him shouting they are bound to. His character has changed dramatically and he seems deeply effected by the experience he has just encountered. A main part of Shakespeare’s dramatic tension during this scene is provided by the interplay of the characters. Macbeth cannot face what he has just done and cannot say murder and therefore informs his wife that he has “…done the deed.” Shakespeare then uses stichomythia. Formerly the conversation

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