Question 11 • English 2 Sem 2 (10013400) BCPS 2025-26
Read the passage from act 3, scene 1 of The Tragedy of Macbeth.Macbeth. Upon my head they plac’d a fruitless crown,And put a barren sceptre in my gripe,Thence to be wrench’d with an unlineal hand,No son of mine succeeding. If ’t be so,For Banquo’s issue have I fil’d my mind;For them the gracious Duncan have I murder’d;Put rancours in the vessel of my peaceOnly for them; and mine eternal jewelGiven to the common enemy of man,To make them kings, the seed of Banquo kings!
Answer
A
It uses items associated with Macbeth’s newly acquired title to convey his frustration.
B
It uses items associated with being king to indicate that Macbeth will never have power.
C
It uses items associated with wealth and status to describe Macbeth’s accomplishments.
D
It uses items associated with having strength to illustrate Macbeth’s prowess as a warrior.
Explanation
Macbeth calls his crown “fruitless” and his sceptre “barren,” suggesting his kingship will not produce heirs and that Banquo’s descendants may inherit the throne. These objects are symbols of his newly acquired royal title, and his description of them conveys his frustration that his crown may not remain in his family. Choice A best captures that contrast; he does have power now, so B goes too far.
AI-written and checked against the verified answer.