Macbeth, Part 4: Figurative Language and Mood Answers

Read the excerpt from act 3, scene 4 of The Tragedy of Macbeth. The Macbeths are hosting a banquet, and Lady Macbeth is ashamed by Macbeth’s outburst.[Lady Macbeth.] [To MACBETH.] O! these flaws and starts—Impostors to true fear—would well becomeA woman’s story at a winter’s fire,Authoriz’d by her grandam.

Read the excerpt from act 3, scene 4 of The Tragedy of Macbeth. Macbeth is ranting after seeing Banquo’s ghost in the middle of hosting a banquet.[Macbeth.] Ay, and since too, murders have been perform’dToo terrible for the ear: the times have been,That, when the brains were out, the man would die,And there an end; but now they rise again,With twenty mortal murders on their crowns,And push us from our stools: this is more strangeThan such a murder is.

Read the excerpt from act 3, scene 4 of The Tragedy of Macbeth.Macbeth. Then comes my fit again: I had else been perfect;Whole as the marble, founded as the rock,As broad and general as the casing air:But now I am cabin’d, cribb’d, confin’d, bound inTo saucy doubts and fears. But Banquo ’s safe?First Murderer. Ay, my good lord; safe in a ditch he bides,With twenty trenched gashes on his head;The least a death to nature.Macbeth. Thanks for that.There the grown serpent lies: the worm that’s fledHath nature that in time will venom breed,No teeth for the present. Get thee gone; to-morrowWe’ll hear ourselves again.

Read the excerpt from act 3, scene 4 of The Tragedy of Macbeth. Macbeth is addressing his dinner guests.Macbeth. Here had we now our country’s honour roof’d,Were the grac’d person of our Banquo present;Who may I rather challenge for unkindnessThan pity for mischance!

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-morrowWe’ll hear ourselves again.

Read the excerpt from act 3, scene 4 of The Tragedy of Macbeth. Macbeth sees Banquo’s ghost at the banquet and begins ranting as his guests look on in horror. Meanwhile, Lady Macbeth desperately tries to continue the party.Macbeth. Which of you have done this?Lords. What, my good lord?Macbeth. Thou canst not say I did it: never shakeThy gory locks at me.Ross. Gentlemen, rise; his highness is not well.Lady Macbeth. Sit, worthy friends: my lord is often thus,And hath been from his youth: pray you, keep seat;The fit is momentary; upon a thoughtHe will again be well. If much you note himYou shall offend him and extend his passion:Feed and regard him not.

Read the excerpt from act 3, scene 4 of The Tragedy of Macbeth. Lady Macbeth attempts to redirect Macbeth after he sees Banquo’s ghost.Lady Macbeth. [Privately, to MACBETH.] Are you a man?Macbeth. Ay, and a bold one, that dare look on thatWhich might appal the devil.Lady Macbeth. O proper stuff!This is the very painting of your fear;This is the air-drawn dagger which, you said,Led you to Duncan.

Read the excerpt from act 3, scene 4 of The Tragedy of Macbeth. Macbeth is ranting about seeing the ghost at the banquet, and Lady Macbeth reminds him that he has guests.Macbeth. Blood hath been shed ere now, i’ the olden time,Ere human statute purg’d the gentle weal;Ay, and since too, murders have been perform’dToo terrible for the ear: the times have been,That, when the brains were out, the man would die,And there an end; but now they rise again,With twenty mortal murders on their crowns,And push us from our stools: this is more strangeThan such a murder is.Lady Macbeth. My worthy lord,Your noble friends do lack you.Macbeth. I do forget.[To Lords.] Do not muse at me, my most worthy friends;I have a strange infirmity, which is nothingTo those that know me. Come, love and health to all;Then, I’ll sit down.

Read the excerpt from act 3, scene 5 of The Tragedy of Macbeth. Hecate is meeting with the three witches.[Hecate.] [To the Witches.] How did you dareTo trade and traffic with MacbethIn riddles and affairs of death

Read the excerpt from act 3, scene 4 of The Tragedy of Macbeth.First Murderer. Ay, my good lord; safe in a ditch he bides,With twenty trenched gashes on his head;The least a death to nature.