Macbeth, Act 2, Scene 2 summary
Act 2, Scene 2 of 28 · 4 min to read the scene
In Act 2, Scene 2, Macbeth returns after killing Duncan, shaken by blood, interrupted prayers, and a voice that seems to condemn him to sleeplessness. Lady Macbeth takes charge of hiding the evidence, while repeated knocking pushes them to leave and disguise the fact that they are awake.
What happens
- Lady Macbeth describes drugging the attendants and says Duncan’s resemblance to her father prevents her from killing him herself.
- Macbeth returns from killing Duncan and describes sleepers waking briefly, praying, and leaving him unable to say Amen.
- He reports hearing a voice accuse him of destroying sleep and declare that he cannot sleep again.
- Macbeth refuses to return the daggers, so Lady Macbeth takes them to place blame on the servants.
- Knocking frightens Macbeth; Lady Macbeth returns with bloody hands and urges him to wash and change.
- They leave as Macbeth wishes the knocking could wake Duncan.
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In this scene
What to notice
Lady Macbeth treats the killing as a problem of removing evidence. Her confidence contrasts with Macbeth’s sense that his bloodstained hands cannot become clean.
Quick check
Why does Lady Macbeth take the daggers from Macbeth?
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