Download Macbeth Act 2, Scene 2

Macbeth Act 2, Scenes 1 and 2
Empathic assignment: Lady Macbeth’s Secret Diary
In these scenes, Macbeth murders Duncan, and Lady Macbeth tries to cover up the crime.
Imagine you are Lady Macbeth. Write your thoughts and feelings as you lie awake in bed after the murder.
Use the following bullet points to help you structure your writing.
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Her feelings before the murder was committed (based on her reflection of her initial
thoughts about the idea in Act 1, Scene 5 up to when she is alone while Macbeth is committing the murder in Act 2, Scene 2)
Any concerns she had as Macbeth returned (Act 2, Scene 2)
Her own involvement in the murder (include details from Act 1, Scene 5, 6 and 7, Act 2, Scene 2)
Her thoughts / feelings about Macbeth (reflect upon her character assessment of Macbeth in Act 1, Scene 5 and his behaviour in Act
1, Scene 7 and Act 2, Scene 2 upon his return from the murder scene)
Her hopes or fears about the future (including her thoughts about becoming queen, fear of discovery, concerns she has about
Macbeth)
Include details from the text to support your ideas (not quotations – remember a character doesn’t know they are in a play, bless them!) to
show your understanding of the text. You must make sure that you demonstrate knowledge of the text by referring to appropriate Acts, Scenes
and Lines.
Remember to write as if you are Lady Macbeth. Although you are not expected to use the ‘language’ of Shakespeare, you do need to think about a
voice that is appropriate to the character.
A possible beginning:
Dear Diary,
The deed has been done! My emotions are a mixture of exhilaration over our accomplishment and trepidation, lest we should be
discovered ere we have the time to enjoy the crown that must, now, surely await us. The only certainty at this time is that
there shall be no return to our former existence. So, I unburden my teeming heart to you, my only confidant, Diary.
This evening, as I awaited my husband’s return from Duncan’s chamber, my thoughts turned to …
Planning sheet
Act, Scene, Line reference
Feelings before murder committed
1:5
1:6
1:7
2:2
Concerns as Macbeth returned
2:2
Involvement in murder
Comments
1:5
1:6
1:7
2:2
Thoughts / feelings about Macbeth
1:5
1:7
2:2
Hopes and fears about future