Macbeth, Part 4: Figurative Language and Mood — Quiz
Question 3 • English 2
Read the excerpt from act 3, scene 4 of The Tragedy of Macbeth . Macbeth has learned that Fleance escaped the murderers. [ Macbeth: ] the worm that’s fled Hath nature that in time will venom breed, No teeth for the present. Get thee gone; to-morrow We’ll hear ourselves again. What does Macbeth mean by "the worm that’s fled / Hath nature that in time will venom breed”?
Answer
A
Fleance will likely die soon from his injuries.
B
Fleance likely inherited his villainous ways from his father.
C
Fleance might attack when Macbeth least expects it.
D
Fleance may become a true threat to Macbeth as he ages.
Explanation
Macbeth compares Fleance to a young worm that does not yet have teeth but will eventually grow venom. The image means Fleance is not an immediate danger, but may become dangerous in the future as he grows older. Therefore, the correct choice is D: Fleance may become a true threat to Macbeth as he ages.
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