Macbeth - Setting and Atmosphere in Act 2

Macbeth - " Shakespeare's Use of Setting and Atmosphere in Act 2"

Prepared by Mr. C to get the A*-C

Remember, to get the A* grade you need to be original, not just follow the advice given here!

	Intro - The atmosphere in the whole of the act in one of horror and the supernatural, with a general feeling of tension and evil, due to the intentions, and then actions, of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Shakespeare uses atmosphere as a Dramatic Device, he uses it to create an effect, to add to the tension and drama of the situation. The atmosphere at the end of A1 is a great contrast to the atmosphere to that found in A2. At the end of A1 there is great tension, where MB is mocked by LMB, for refusing to kill Duncan, but then this is followed by MB's resolution to commit the evil deed. When considering the social and historic context of the play, you could identify that the way in which LMB argues with MB does not fit into the roles established in society for men and women. At that time it would have been unheard of for a woman to argue and win against her husband, especially if he were of a high position, as MB is.
	A2 begins with unease, shown in BQ's dreams. In what way does this add to the unease and supernatural atmosphere? It begins at midnight, the 'witching hour' and it is dark. Why does this all add to the 'horror' feeling that creates the atmosphere we sense? BQ is full of doubt and fear, shown in his asking for his sword as someone approaches, indicating fear. How effective is the irony that it turns out to be MB, as we know that he will cause fear later on? What is the effect upon the atmosphere caused by the contrast in the characteristics of MB and BQ, as BQ relies on God and wishes to keep his honour rather than gain favour, whereas MB relies on his manly attributes and relinquishes honour to gain the crown?
	How does MB's speech continue the atmosphere of the supernatural and unnatural, as he is seeing a vision (hallucinating due to guilt)? The colours black and red are dominant in this; they are the colours of horror. How does this add to the evil atmosphere? MB convinces himself that it is a sign that he should kill Duncan and his thoughts are filled with images of evil and the supernatural. How effective is the use of the bell ringing, the 'death knell' as a DD to heighten the atmosphere of death and evil?
	A2S2 - How is the atmosphere of excitement and anticipation from LMB shown in her actions and reactions to the sounds that she hears? How can it be seen that she is on edge? She gives an account of her preparations for the night's events. How does this continue heightening the evil atmosphere? Quick changes of speaker (in lines 14-24) increase the speed and tension within this scene as a form of DD. How do the accounts of the interruptions and noises add to the heightened tension in the atmosphere?
	Atmosphere of supernatural and dream like again (lines 25-54), where there is a consideration of the nature of sleep and its healing powers. How is the atmosphere of evil continued in the identification the MB has murdered sleep? What is the effect of the contrast in the doubts and fears of MB to the prior excitement and anticipation of LMB? How effective is the use of knocking as a DD to heighten the tension, showing fear of discovery? How effective is the 'blood on the hands' as a metaphor for guilt showing an element of the supernatural and adding to the general atmosphere of fear, evil and the supernatural?
	A2S3 - How is the tension of previous scene continued in the knocking at the gate? Is there is a feeling of delay and building of tension initially, as the murder is still to be discovered? The character of Porter is very vulgar, how do his words heighten our disgust at the actions within the castle and indicate that horror is rife within its walls? Is the Porter is a DD, as the Porter's words give significance to the actions in the castle, with irony in his reference to him being a porter at hell's gate? How do his puns (plays on words) confuse the atmosphere? How does he add to the general confusion and how is this a prelude to the greater confusion that is to come? When considering the social and historic context of the play, you could consider that the often rude way in which the Porter speaks to MacDuff (his social superior) does not fit into the rigid social structure of the time. Could this be a further indicator of the significance of what the porter does say?
	In what ways are Lennox's comments a portent of doom? How do they indicatei the supernatural nature of the events? What supernatural events are recounted? Which references are associations with death? (e.g. the owl). How does the atmosphere continue in its supernatural, evil and deathly feel?
	In what way is confusion shown to be rife at the discovery of the murder? In what ways are people alarmed or seemingly so, losing control of themselves? Why can they not refer directly to the murder of the king, preferring to hide it in metaphors? How does this add to the confusion? How does the repetition of the word 'horror' add to the atmosphere? What effect does repetition have here in enhancing the feeling of horror at the situation?
	How do MB and LMB deceive the others in their actions, adding to the confusion and linking to the comment in A1 about showing 'false face?' In what ways are MB's words are too strong in his condemnation of the events and the suspected murderers? Which other example of MB's previous protestations of loyalty to the king were overly ornate and suspicious?
	What does the flight of Malcolm and Donaldbain add to the atmosphere of confusion? Is it a dramatic device? How does it indicate the distrust and moral confusion that is felt? Does It also act as a dramatic device to indicate the characteristics of MB's coming reign as King and his behaviour in that role?

A2S4 - The discussion of confusion on the natural world is a parallel to the confusion being felt through the unnatural human acts we have seen/read of. The old man is like the character of 'chorus' in a Greek tragedy and is a DD, commenting on the actions of the play, showing how they are universal in their effect and presenting the view of the common man. His retrospective comments add to the horror of the situation and so the atmosphere in their account of how the natural world has changed.

Summary/Conclusion - what is used to create changes in atmosphere? How effective are they? What uses of dramatic devices does Shakespeare employ? What effects do they have on atmosphere? How is tension built up? What other elements of atmosphere are present/changing in the second act? How effective are they in creating our understanding of the play as a whole and of the characters and their motivations?