Act 2 - Violence

"O, yet I do repent me of my fury

That I did kill them" (Act 2, Scene 3, line 8)

This is Macbeth saying that he has killed the guards as well because he was furious they both "killed" Duncan, but really he has killed them due to his worry of being cought. 

"This murderous shaft that's shot 

Hath not yet lighted, and our safest way" (Act 2, secene 3, line 144)

Malcom says that they have to act soon before the violence gets worse.

"Confusion now hath made his masterpiece.

Most sacrilegious murder hath broke ope

The Lord’s anointed temple, and stole thence

The life o' th' building!"

Macduff explains to the men that Duncun has been murdered and that it has broken into God's temple and stolen a life.

"'Tis unnatural,

Even like the deed that’s done. On Tuesday last,

A falcon, tow'ring in her pride of place,

Was by a mousing owl hawked at and killed." (Act 2, Scene 4, line 12-14)

Old man explains that the murder is unnatural, just like an owl that killed a falcon who usually kills mice. Something with less power has killed one with great power.

“Infirm of purpose!

Give me the daggers. the sleeping and the dead

Are but as pictures. ‘Tis the eye of childhood

That fears a painted devil. If he do bleed,

I’ll gild the faces of the grooms withal,

For it must seem their guilt.” (Act 2, scene 2, line 52)


“Our royal masters murder” (act 2, scene 3, line 87)


“The expedition of my violent loveOutrun the pauser, reason.” (act 2, scene 3, line 112)