Shakespeare | Macbeth Act 2 Audiobook (Dramatic Reading)

ChapterVox15 minutes read

Banquo and Fleance discuss the night as Macbeth presents a diamond from King Duncan, who praises Lady Macbeth, while Macbeth grapples with guilt after murdering Duncan and is urged by Lady Macbeth to frame the guards. Chaos ensues when Macduff discovers Duncan's body, leading to suspicion regarding the fleeing heirs and Macbeth's impending coronation.

Insights

  • Banquo's dream about the three witches highlights the theme of fate versus free will, as he expresses a desire to explore the implications of their prophecies with Macbeth, suggesting that their influence looms over the characters' decisions and actions.
  • Macbeth's troubled response after killing Duncan, particularly his inability to say "Amen," underscores his deep-seated guilt and fear, illustrating the psychological torment that accompanies his ambition and the moral consequences of his actions, which Lady Macbeth attempts to mitigate by urging him to conceal their crime.

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Summary

00:00

Macbeth's Ambition Leads to Duncan's Murder

  • Banquo and Fleance enter the castle courtyard, discussing the night; Banquo notes the moon has set and the clock has not yet chimed midnight, which occurs at 12:00 AM.
  • Macbeth arrives with a servant and presents a diamond from King Duncan, who has praised Lady Macbeth as a kind hostess, indicating the king's unusual pleasure and generosity.
  • Banquo shares a dream about the three witches, suggesting they revealed some truths, and expresses a desire to discuss matters further with Macbeth at a convenient time.
  • Macbeth contemplates a vision of a dagger leading him toward Duncan, questioning whether it is a real dagger or a figment of his imagination, as he prepares to commit murder.
  • Lady Macbeth, having drugged the guards, feels emboldened and awaits Macbeth's return, while expressing concern about the noise and the potential for discovery.
  • Macbeth enters, revealing he has killed Duncan, but is troubled by his inability to say "Amen" after hearing the guards pray, indicating his guilt and fear.
  • Lady Macbeth instructs Macbeth to wash the blood from his hands and return the daggers to the guards, emphasizing the need to frame them for the murder.
  • A porter humorously pretends to be the gatekeeper of Hell, engaging in banter with Macduff and Lennox about the effects of alcohol and the nature of equivocation.
  • Macduff discovers Duncan's murder, leading to chaos as he and Lennox awaken the others, urging them to confront the horror of the situation.
  • Ross and an old man discuss the unnatural events following Duncan's death, noting strange occurrences in nature, such as an owl killing a falcon and horses turning wild.

20:27

Aftermath of Duncan's Murder Unfolds

  • McDuff enters, discussing the aftermath of Duncan's murder, revealing that Malcolm and Donal Bane have fled, raising suspicion; Macbeth is set to be crowned, and Duncan's body is taken to Scone for burial.
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