Macbeth Act II Review

1. In your opinion, is Lady Macbeth a cold-blooded murderer? Why or why not?
    To a certain extent, I believe that Lady Macbeth is a cold-blooded murderer. This is because she is always calling Macbeth weak for not being able to swiftly kill the King. She was also the one to influence Macbeth with no hesitance.

Evidence #1
  "'If Duncan hadn't looked like my father in his sleep, I'd have done it myself'" (2.2.12-13)
Evidence #2
  "[scornfully] A dreadful sight' - that's stupid" (2.2.21)

2. Lady Macbeth has her own antics throughout the play. Why does Lady Macbeth faint in Act II? Does it serve its purpose? Explain.
   Lady Macbeth pretends to faint to solidify her innocent character to the others in the play. When she faints, she gives the impression of great despair and surprise. It serves the purpose of showing her fake expression.

Evidence #1
  "Take care of the lady" (2.3.140)
Evidence #2
  "No woman could survive the telling" (2.3.89-90)

3. How does Macbeth's attitude toward Duncan change after the murder?
   He feels sorrow for the King and wishes that he hadn't done the deed. His attitude toward the king is not an obstacle for his kingship but a regret that he will never forget.

Evidence #1
  "Wake Duncan with your knocking! I wish you could!" (2.2.74)
Evidence #2
  "I am afraid to think of what I've done. I daren't look at it again!" (2.2.52-3)

4. If so pressuring on Macbeth, why didn't Lady Macbeth kill the king instead of Macbeth?
   Lady Macbeth did not kill the king instead because the king looked like her father when sleeping.

Evidence
"If Duncan hadn't looked like my father in his sleep, I'd have done it myself" (2.2.12-13)

5. Now that Macbeth has killed the king, do you think he must do anything else to reign as king?
   I think that Macbeth will face more obstacles to reign as king or at least continue to reign as king. There may be suspicion that would arise from the death of the king and who may have done it.The sons of the King are still alive so they may also come back and cause trouble for Macbeth in the future.