Act 2, Scene 3 Summary

A Porter begins this scene with "knock-knock" jokes about the Afterlife. When Macduff enters with Lennox, the same Porter jokes with Macduff regarding the effect of drink. Lennox then asks for the King, who has asked him to wake him, and Macbeth says he will escort him to him. While Macduff goes within the King's chamber, Lennox tells Macbeth what a horrendous night they had, replete with strange noises, prophecies and lamentations. Macduff comes out of the King's room, horror-stricken by the murder. He tells Macbeth and Lennox to go in and see for themselves while he loudly proclaims the death to his friends in the castle. He has the bell rung, summoning Lady Macbeth. She asks what's wrong. He replies to her and to Banquo- of the terrible murder that has been committed. Macbeth and Lennox return. The "outraged" Macbeth...