This scene from Macbeth shows the immediate aftermath of Duncan's...
English Literature146 views·Updated Jun 2, 2026·3 pagesMacbeth Act 2, Scene 2 Analyzed
A
April East@aprileast
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The Aftermath of Murder
Right after killing Duncan, Macbeth is completely falling apart. His hands are covered in blood, and he's obsessing over every tiny detail from the murder scene. He tells Lady Macbeth about hearing servants cry "Murder!" in their sleep, which shows how paranoid he's already becoming.
The most significant moment happens when Macbeth couldn't say "Amen" after the servants prayed. This reveals something crucial - by committing murder, he's spiritually cut himself off from God's protection. For Shakespeare's audience, this would have been absolutely terrifying.
Lady Macbeth tries to stay practical and calm, telling him not to think about what they've done so deeply. She warns that overthinking will "make us mad" - which is actually foreshadowing what happens to both of them later in the play.
Key insight: Notice how differently they're handling the guilt - Macbeth is spiralling emotionally whilst Lady Macbeth is trying to stay in control.
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Sleep, Daggers and Blood
Macbeth describes hearing a voice cry "Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep". This isn't just about Duncan's death - Shakespeare uses sleep as a metaphor for peace, rest, and innocence. By murdering Duncan in his sleep, Macbeth has destroyed his own ability to find peace.
The practical problems start piling up when Lady Macbeth realises Macbeth brought the bloody daggers with him instead of leaving them with Duncan's guards. She needs to frame the guards for the murder, but Macbeth is too traumatised to go back.
Lady Macbeth shows her ruthless side here, calling him a coward and saying "The sleeping and the dead are but as pictures". She's trying to make him see that dead people can't hurt him, but her coldness is quite chilling.
Remember: The daggers represent evidence of guilt that needs to be hidden - they're not just weapons, they're symbols of their crime.
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of 3
Water, Blood and Guilt
Macbeth creates one of Shakespeare's most famous images when he asks if "all great Neptune's ocean" could wash the blood from his hands. His answer is devastating - instead of cleaning his hands, the blood would turn the entire green sea red. This shows guilt that's impossible to escape.
Lady Macbeth takes the opposite view, claiming "a little water clears us of this deed". The contrast between their attitudes towards washing away guilt becomes a major theme throughout the play. She thinks it's simple; he knows it's impossible.
The knocking at the door creates mounting tension and panic. Lady Macbeth quickly switches to practical mode - put on nightgowns, pretend they were sleeping, act normal. But Macbeth ends with the desperate wish that the knocking could "wake Duncan" - showing he already regrets everything.
Think about this: The blood and water imagery here will return throughout the play, especially with Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking scene later.
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English Literature146 views·Updated Jun 2, 2026·3 pagesMacbeth Act 2, Scene 2 Analyzed
A
April East@aprileast
This scene from Macbeth shows the immediate aftermath of Duncan's murder, where guilt and paranoia consume both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. You'll see how Shakespeare uses powerful imagery and symbolism to explore the psychological consequences of evil actions.
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The Aftermath of Murder
Right after killing Duncan, Macbeth is completely falling apart. His hands are covered in blood, and he's obsessing over every tiny detail from the murder scene. He tells Lady Macbeth about hearing servants cry "Murder!" in their sleep, which shows how paranoid he's already becoming.
The most significant moment happens when Macbeth couldn't say "Amen" after the servants prayed. This reveals something crucial - by committing murder, he's spiritually cut himself off from God's protection. For Shakespeare's audience, this would have been absolutely terrifying.
Lady Macbeth tries to stay practical and calm, telling him not to think about what they've done so deeply. She warns that overthinking will "make us mad" - which is actually foreshadowing what happens to both of them later in the play.
Key insight: Notice how differently they're handling the guilt - Macbeth is spiralling emotionally whilst Lady Macbeth is trying to stay in control.
2
of 3Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
Sleep, Daggers and Blood
Macbeth describes hearing a voice cry "Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep". This isn't just about Duncan's death - Shakespeare uses sleep as a metaphor for peace, rest, and innocence. By murdering Duncan in his sleep, Macbeth has destroyed his own ability to find peace.
The practical problems start piling up when Lady Macbeth realises Macbeth brought the bloody daggers with him instead of leaving them with Duncan's guards. She needs to frame the guards for the murder, but Macbeth is too traumatised to go back.
Lady Macbeth shows her ruthless side here, calling him a coward and saying "The sleeping and the dead are but as pictures". She's trying to make him see that dead people can't hurt him, but her coldness is quite chilling.
Remember: The daggers represent evidence of guilt that needs to be hidden - they're not just weapons, they're symbols of their crime.
3
of 3Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
Water, Blood and Guilt
Macbeth creates one of Shakespeare's most famous images when he asks if "all great Neptune's ocean" could wash the blood from his hands. His answer is devastating - instead of cleaning his hands, the blood would turn the entire green sea red. This shows guilt that's impossible to escape.
Lady Macbeth takes the opposite view, claiming "a little water clears us of this deed". The contrast between their attitudes towards washing away guilt becomes a major theme throughout the play. She thinks it's simple; he knows it's impossible.
The knocking at the door creates mounting tension and panic. Lady Macbeth quickly switches to practical mode - put on nightgowns, pretend they were sleeping, act normal. But Macbeth ends with the desperate wish that the knocking could "wake Duncan" - showing he already regrets everything.
Think about this: The blood and water imagery here will return throughout the play, especially with Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking scene later.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Most popular content: Macbeth
9Most popular content in English Literature
9Most popular content
9Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5App Store
4.7/5Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan SiOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha KlichAndroid user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
AnnaiOS user