Contributor: Melissa Kowalski. Lesson ID: 11250
Macbeth has a choice: Kill King Duncan and commit treason or refrain. The suspense is killing us! Work through this complex Act, using videos and a graphic organizer, and learn what soliloquy means!
In this lesson, read Act II to find out the answer!
In Act I, you saw King Duncan honor Macbeth with the title of Thane of Cawdor as a reward for his bravery in battle against the Norwegian army.
This honor fulfilled the second witch's prophecy that Macbeth would become Thane of Cawdor. Act I also introduced Lady Macbeth and her ambition to become Queen of Scotland.
The end of Act I concluded with King Duncan's visit to Macbeth's castle while Macbeth and his wife debated whether or not to kill the King during his visit.
In this lesson, read Act II and discover the decision Macbeth makes.
If you do not have a copy, you may read Macbeth online. Also, you should continue reading the play aloud so you can hear the language come alive as dialogue.
To inspire you, watch this dramatic reading of Macbeth's speech in Act II, Scene 1, which is one of the most famous speeches in the entire play.
Once you've watched the video, you are ready to begin reading Act II.
Once you've finished reading Act II, move on to the Got It? section.