Question

bellringers for the week of 11/17/2025
name: courtney henry class: gp
monday, 11/17/2025 quote: \i am afraid to think what i have done.\ (act 2 scene 2)
part a: what does macbeth reveal about his emotional state?
a. he feels triumphant.
b. he is paralyzed by fear.
c. he seeks reassurance from lady macbeth.
d. he regrets trusting the witches.
part b: which detail from the scene best supports your answer?
a. macbeth refuses to return the daggers.
b. lady macbeth tells him to wash his hands.
c. the knocking grows louder.
d. macbeth says he wishes duncan had lived.
part c: explain how macbeths behavior in this scene reveals the early effects of guilt. use one detail from the text to support your answer.

Explanation:

• Part A: The quote “I am afraid to think what I have done” shows Macbeth is paralyzed by fear. After committing murder (killing Duncan), his fear stops him from facing the full reality of his actions.
• Part B: Macbeth refuses to return the daggers (Option A). His refusal indicates his fear - he can't bring himself to go back to the scene (where Duncan's body is) as he is overwhelmed by what he's done, which supports the idea of him being paralyzed by fear.
• Part C: Macbeth's refusal to return the daggers shows guilt. Guilt makes him unable to face the physical evidence (the daggers at the murder scene) of his crime. It's an early effect as it's one of the immediate reactions after the deed, showing he's already affected by the moral weight (guilt) of killing Duncan.

Answer:

• Part A: B. He is paralyzed by fear.
• Part B: A. Macbeth refuses to return the daggers.
• Part C: Macbeth's refusal to return the daggers shows guilt. Guilt makes him unable to face the physical evidence (the daggers at the murder scene) of his crime.