Question

act 2, scene 2

identify one example of figurative language in macbeths speech after the murder and explain its meaning.

explain the dramatic irony in lady macbeths statement that \a little water clears us of this deed.\ why is this ironic?

identify an example of verbal irony in lady macbeths dialogue and explain why it is ironic.

what inference can you make about macbeths guilt immediately after the murder? use specific lines as evidence.

Explanation:

Analyze figurative language in Macbeth's speech

Macbeth uses the metaphor of sleep: "Macbeth does murder sleep" (Act 2, Scene 2). This metaphor represents the permanent destruction of his peace of mind, innocence, and rest due to his guilt.

Analyze dramatic irony in Lady Macbeth's statement

Lady Macbeth says, "A little water clears us of this deed." This is dramatic irony because the audience knows that water cannot wash away their psychological guilt, which eventually drives her to sleepwalk and obsessively try to wash imaginary blood from her hands.

Analyze verbal irony in Lady Macbeth's dialogue

Lady Macbeth tells Macbeth, "My hands are of your color, but I shame to wear a heart so white." This is ironic because she mocks his cowardice ("white heart") while being an active accomplice in the murder, pretending to be strong when she will later break down from the same guilt.

Infer Macbeth's guilt from his immediate reaction

Macbeth is completely overwhelmed by guilt, believing he is eternally damned. He states that all the water in "great Neptune's ocean" cannot wash the blood from his hands, but will instead turn the green seas red ("incarnadine").

Answer:

Question 1

• Example: "Macbeth does murder sleep"
• Meaning: This metaphor shows that by murdering Duncan, Macbeth has destroyed his own peace of mind and will never rest peacefully again.

Question 2

• Dramatic Irony: Lady Macbeth claims a small amount of water easily washes away their crime.
• Why it is ironic: The audience knows that water cannot wash away their moral guilt. This is proven later when she is driven mad by guilt, obsessively trying to wash invisible bloodstains from her hands.

Question 3

• Example: "My hands are of your color, but I shame to wear a heart so white."
• Why it is ironic: She mocks Macbeth's fear and claims to be stronger, yet her active participation in the murder eventually leads to her own psychological collapse.

Question 4

• Inference: Macbeth is instantly consumed by deep, inescapable guilt and spiritual terror.
• Evidence: He asks, "Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood clean from my hand?" and concludes his hands will instead turn the green seas red ("incarnadine").