Question 1

Write an essay exploring the role that the supernatural plays in Macbeth thus far. How does it affect the play\'s overall atmosphere, or mood? How is it related to the play\'s central conflicts? Answer these questions in a brief essay in which you support your ideas by citing details from Acts I-III of Macbeth.

Accepted Answer

Students should recognize that the supernatural elements help establish the play\'s eerie atmosphere, where \"fair is foul and foul is fair,\" or things are not what they seem. They should also recognize the role that the witches\' prophesies play in tempting the Macbeths to commit murder, which is central to the conflicts of the play.

Question 2

In The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act III, which incident below would Macbeth seem to be suffering from an infirmity? Explain your answer. a. when he hesitates about killing Duncan b. when he seems ill at the banquet c. when he fights bravely in battle d. when he puts on his crown and royal robes

Accepted Answer

b, Explanation: This choice reflects an understanding that an infirmity is a physical or mental illness. Choices a, c, and d do not reflect an accurate understanding of the meaning of infirmity.

Question 3

In The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act III, why does Macbeth order the death of Fleance as well as Banquo?

Accepted Answer

The witches\' predictions indicated that Banquo\'s descendants will be rulers of Scotland, a situation that Macbeth sees as a threat to his dynasty and the disappointment of all he risked in killing Duncan. By killing Banquo\'s son, he hopes to ensure that this prediction will not come true.

Question 4

In The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act III, Scene i, Macbeth speaks with only two murderers, but later there are three, and the sudden appearance of this third murderer has been a subject of much debate over the centuries. What is your explanation of the third murderer? Write a one- or two-paragraph explanation in which you support your theory with examples and reasons.

Accepted Answer

Among the theories students may offer is that the third character is a new character that the other murderers added to their number in order to carry out the crime; that the third murderer is Macbeth or another character in disguise; or that third murderer is a mistake on Shakespeare\'s part or an inconsistency resulting from some carelessly dropped portion of the play. Students should support their ideas with logical reasons, details from the play, and/or examples from outside experience.

Question 5

Consider the lesson that the play thus far teaches about political power and the attempts to achieve it through violent means. What do the events in Macbeth, Acts I-III, suggest is the outcome of such efforts? Address this question in an essay that cites examples from the play to support general statements about it. Before writing, you might organize your ideas on the diagram below.

Accepted Answer

Students should recognize that the play seems to be teaching that those who do evil to gain political power will never really be happy and will always live in fear of punishment or of someone else doing evil to them. They should cite examples and reasons to support their general statement of the theme.

Question 6

What is the outcome of Macbeth\'s conflict with Banquo and Fleance? Indicate where in The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act III, you found the details that reveal this outcome. a. Both men escape. b. Both men are killed. c. Banquo is killed, but Fleance escapes. d. Fleance is killed, but Banquo escapes.

Accepted Answer

c, Explanation: This choice is made clear in the Third Murderer\'s comments \"There\'s but one down; the son is fled\" (III, iii, 20) and one of the murderer\'s remarks to Macbeth, \"Most royal sir, Fleance is \'scaped.\" (III, iv, 21). Choices a, b, and d do not accurately reflect the events of the play.

Question 7

Reading between the lines in The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act III, Scene i, explain how Macbeth has apparently managed to claim the Scottish throne even though Malcolm and Donalbain are closer relatives to the slain King Duncan.

Accepted Answer

Because Malcolm and Donalbain fled Scotland, suspicion fell on them as the ones behind the murder of King Duncan. Macbeth, a more distant relative, was then able to claim the throne.

Question 8

Write a paragraph or two explaining why Macbeth tries to arrange the murder of Banquo and Banquo\'s son, Fleance. Try to cover all his reasons, and back them up with details from The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act III.

Accepted Answer

Student should mention Macbeth\'s fear of Banquo\'s suspicions about his involvement in Duncan\'s murder, his desire to remove someone who was present when the witches\' prophesies were made, and his attempt to prevent the fulfillment of the prophesy about Banquo\'s descendants becoming kings. They should cite details from Act IIIâespecially the comments of Macbeth and Banquoâto support their conclusions.

Question 9

In The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act III, which struggle points to an internal conflict? Explain your answer. a. Macbeth\'s attempts to have Banquo and Fleance killed b. the witches\' influence on Macbeth\'s and Banquo\'s lives c. Lady Macbeth\'s attempts to convince her husband to behave differently d. Macbeth\'s guilt causing him to see Banquo\'s ghost

Accepted Answer

d, Explanation: This response shows an understanding that an internal conflict is a struggle that takes place in a character\'s mind or conscience. Choices a, b, and c are incorrect because they all point to struggles with outside forces, or external conflicts.

Question 10

In some ways, the murder of Banquo in The Tragedy of Macbeth represents an act of betrayal even more foul than that of Duncan. Write an essay discussing this statement. In what ways are the murders similar? In what ways do they differ? What changes does the plot to murder Banquo reveal in Macbeth?

Accepted Answer

Students should discuss the statement considering the similarities and differences in the murders and explaining the changes in Macbeth revealed by the plot to murder Banquo. For example, students may point out as similarities that Macbeth is responsible for both murders, commits them for power, and pretends to honor both men even as they are being executed. As differences, students could say that Duncan was a mighty king, while Banquo is Macbeth\'s peer and friend. Macbeth kills Duncan with his own hand but has henchmen murder Banquo. Students may suggest that Macbeth is more calm and organized in his plan to murder Banquo. He almost carefully plans the crime so that it won\'t reflect on him without the fears that plagued him at the death of Duncan. He is more used to such evil.

Drama: Act III – Macbeth – Flashcards

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