Banquo is dead tired and feels as heavy as lead, but he's fighting sleep because he's afraid of his own thoughts or dreams. In short, it's darker than any dark most of us have ever seen. The moon is down, the night is starless, and there are no street lights in Macbeth's castle. 'Husbandry' is thriftiness Banquo means that heaven has gone to bed, and has put out its 'candles' (the stars) for the night. It appears that Banquo is getting ready to go to bed, and he remarks that 'There's husbandry in heaven / Their candles are all out' (2.1.5). Banquo also gives Fleance something else, perhaps the belt and sheath for the sword. Banquo then hands his sword to Fleance, who is apparently serving as his father's squire. Fleance hasn't heard a clock strike, but the moon is down, so it must be past midnight. He's not asking Fleance how he's doing he's asking how late it is. Banquo asks Fleance, 'How goes the night, boy? (2.1.1). The scene opens with some casual conversation which tells us that it's very dark, and that something bad is about to happen.īanquo and his son Fleance are in the courtyard of Macbeth's castle, and Fleance is carrying a torch. Macbeth sees 'a dagger of the mind,' hears his wife's bell, and goes to kill King Duncan. Macbeth says that Banquo could be rewarded for following his lead on something to do with the witches' prophecies. Macbeth and Banquo discuss King Duncan and the witches. Past midnight, Banquo prepares to go to bed, but is edgy and haunted by strange thoughts. Detailed Summary of Macbeth, Act 2, Scene 1

Macbeth act 2 scene 1