Dramatic Tension in Act 2 Scene 1 of William Shakespeare's Macbeth

Dramatic Tension in Act 2 Scene 1 of William Shakespeare's Macbeth

Macbeth, written by William Shakespeare circa 1605, is one of the

world’s best-known plays. It is a tragedy set in medieval Scotland,

based on the true story of a Scottish Thane, the eponymous hero

Macbeth, whom is prophesised by three witches to become the Thane of

Cawdor and King. When Macbeth is declared Thane of Cawdor, he ponders

upon the truth of the witches’ words and, along with his wife Lady

Macbeth, plot to murder the King Duncan and become ruler of all

Scotland.

The content of Act 2, scene 1 and 2 are of critical importance to the

understanding of Macbeth. These are the scenes which follow the

events, thoughts and emotions of all characters involved before,

during and after the murder.

Before Act 2, Scene 1 begins, Shakespeare gives a rare stage direction

~ “Fleance bearing a torch.” This is significant as it is to show the

audience that it is night time and therefore is dark. Night time has

sinister connotations; it is when crimes take place, so even before

the characters speak, there is an uneasy atmosphere and the tone of

the scene established.

The scene opens with an interrogative from Banquo (a friend and ally

of Macbeth)~ “How goes the night, boy?” This interrogative creates a

sense of mystery and confusion. From the start it seems as if the

characters are uncertain, and the audience is given the feeling that

things are slightly out of joint. The atmosphere of uncertainty

continues through the former half of the scene.

Fleance (son of Banquo) speaks that he has “not heard the clock”. The

characters are unable to establish the exac...

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...od for his terrible

sin. In comparison, Lady Macbeth is portrayed in oppositely to her

husband. She, unlike Macbeth is in control of her emotions, and takes

command of the situation, revealed by Shakespeare’s use of many

imperatives on her part. Her potentially evil mind is brought through

by her negative language and feel of no remorse, which links with

ideas that she may be the ‘Fourth Witch’.

Enigmatic and perhaps sinister circumstances close the scene with the

knocking of the door, once again adding to the dramatic tension felt

by the audience. The knocking can be linked with Macbeth’s need for

redemption. The sound bothers him greatly; it sends his already

disturbed mind into panic and fear. The audience will then be provided

with a sense of his punishment, an idea that is in essence of the rest

of the play.