Tension In Macbeth in Act 2, Scenes 1 and 2

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How does Shakespeare create tension in Act 2, scenes 1 and 2?

Shakespeare’s Macbeth is a play that develops around tension all the way through. Shakespeare manages to create tension in a variety of ways in terms of the thematic aspects, linguistic aspects and dramatic aspects. Act II (scenes I and 11) is the part of Macbeth where Lady Macbeth and her husband (Macbeth) actually carry out their plans and do the deed.

Instead of planning and talking about killing King Duncan of Scotland, the Macbeths go ahead and actually do it. Tension is built up before the killing in scene I and also in scene II when Macbeth reappears having done the “deed”.

We can see the Macbeths’ reactions and feelings to their crime and if the characters are uneasy or on edge, then it adds to the tension.

Act II, scene 1, starts off at night, in fact after midnight. In Shakespeare’s time midnight was considered to be the “witching hour”. Shakespeare’s use of the concept of darkness is an excellent way of creating tension because many people have a deep founded fear of the dark. The darkness can be seen in the language, “The moon is down” and in the Royal Shakespeare Company production of Macbeth an eerie atmosphere is created through dim lighting.

Why Was Duncan Murdered Offstage

This version of Macbeth uses pauses and silence by the characters in order to create tension.

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Also evil things come from the dark; Banquo says “All the candles are out”, meaning there are no starts in the sky. Banquo finds it difficult to get to sleep because of “cursed thoughts”. This language shows us that Banquo is obviously very anxious and fear is plaguing his imagination. The semantic field of sleep is very clear at this point in Macbeth, in particular in Act II, scene II. Banquo shouts “Give me my sword”, suggesting that he is edgy and anxious despite being in his friend’s castle.

For me, it wouldn’t be the sort of command you would shout unless you were disturbed by something – and of course we know that Banquo is extremely fearful due to either his worry about the witches’ prophecies or it is a possibility that he suspects Macbeth. Banquo’s worry about the witches was something shared by the society in Shakespearian times, who were very fearful of the supernatural. Therefore the references to the supernatural would have increased tension amidst the audience. The actual theme of killing the King certainly creates the utmost tension in itself.

In Shakespearian times the King was seen as next to God, so to murder the King i. e. commit treason would be a wicked sin, for which the killer would be cut off from God. There is a stark contrast in Banquo’s and Macbeth’s manner. Banquo speaks his mind and is open about his feelings whereas Macbeth hides his true feelings. When Banquo says “I dreamt last night of the three weird sisters”, Macbeth’s response is “I think not of them”. The audience knows this is a blatant lie and Macbeth isn’t telling his friend Banquo of his true feelings and what he is really feeling inside.

Shakespeare uses dramatic irony here to create tension, where we (the audience) know more than the characters do. Another key point at this moment in the play, where Macbeth and Banquo are speaking, is the tone they speak to each other in. They speak to each other in a very polite, formal way, which shows how nervous they are; this in turn communicates itself to the audience. The soliloquy is a very poignant part of Act II, scene I and for Shakespeare it is a crucial way in which he can create tension. Basically Macbeth thinks he sees a bloody dagger in mid air, which seems to be leading him to Duncan’s chamber.

Tension is created, as the audience can see that Macbeth is hallucinating, which will clearly make them think that Macbeth is being deeply psychologically affected by the plan to murder King Duncan. Macbeth himself even exclaims, “Or art thou a dagger of the mind, a false creation”. The soliloquy includes the line “And on thy blade and dudgeon gouts of blood”. These are very grim words, which add to the tension. Words such us “blood” and blade” are very strong connotations of violence. They create an evil, horrible image of death in the mind of those in the audience.

The recurring semantic field of death keeps on reminding the audience of the impending murder. Macbeth’s personification of murder undoubtedly creates a lot of tension. The audience can feel this tension as Macbeth describes the murder as a person. I think tension is very high at this point in the play because Macbeth appears to be verging on madness. The imaginary sword that Macbeth sees in his hallucination contrasts with the real one he eventually pulls out. In Polanski’s film version of Macbeth, use is made of a super imposed dagger.

In my opinion this ploy spoils the soliloquy and in fact has the opposite effect to the desired effect of creating tension; it destroys the tension and is definitely not as effective as seeing the intensity of an actor grabbing at nothing. This film version also makes use of a voice-over, rather than showing the actor speaking the words. This isn’t as dramatically effective because the audience doesn’t feel as close the character and his emotions. Immediately after the soliloquy comes the ringing of a bell, signalling that the action is about to commence.

The audience has been waiting for this moment, for it is part of the Macbeths’ plans that the bell rings. Tensions among the audience would already be running high, and this sudden sound effect would increase the tension even more. I think the actual murder would not have been scripted by Shakespeare and he would be murdered offstage for two very important reasons. Firstly it leaves the audience in doubt and unaware of whether Macbeth has committed the murder or not; this would benefit the play because it would keep the audience intrigued, on the edge of their seats.

Also the murder wouldn’t be shown on stage due to the sensitivity of the public, who couldn’t begin to comprehend the fact that someone might murder the King. It would be a blasphemous, atrocious crime. In Polanski’s film we actually see the murder happen and personally do not think this a good idea as I would rather see the play with Duncan’s murder offstage. This because it creates more dubiety about the murder – I would rather remain sceptical as to whether it has occurred or not. In Act II, scene II, Duncan’s murder takes place.

The audience would be over come with anticipation and extremely eager to find out what happens next. At this point they are questioning whether or not Macbeth has stooped low enough to kill his King. The scene starts off with a defiant Lady Macbeth stating, “That which hath made them drunk hath made me bold”. She doesn’t know whether Macbeth has followed through with their plans. She waits alone in anticipation on the stage. This creates suspense and is crucial to the dramatic aspect of the play. Macbeth on the other hand is off stage.

Shakespeare structures it cleverly so that the audience sees characters on their own and together. He shows Macbeth’s worry through his line, “Who’s there”. This shows Macbeth’s great concern that someone is there who might disturb him and identify him as the murderer. Lady Macbeth starts to become agitated and her optimism is gradually fading. She wonders whether the plan might have failed – and Shakespeare shows this by Lady Macbeth saying lines such as “I laid their daggers ready” and “He could not miss them”. These show her real desperation at this point.