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QuizMultiple Choice

Macbeth, Part 8: Universal Themes — Quiz

Question 1 • English 2

Excerpt 1: Read the excerpt from act 1, scene 7 of The Tragedy of Macbeth. Macbeth is speaking to himself and listing the reasons he should not kill Duncan. [ Macbeth: ] He’s here in double trust: First, as I am his kinsman and his subject, Strong both against the deed; then, as his host, Who should against his murderer shut the door, Not bear the knife myself. Besides, this Duncan Hath borne his faculties so meek, hath been So clear in his great office, that his virtues Will plead like angels trumpet-tongu’d against The deep damnation of his taking-off; And pity, like a naked new-born babe, Striding the blast, or heaven’s cherubin, hors’d Upon the sightless couriers of the air Excerpt 2: Read the excerpt from act 2, scene 3 of The Tragedy of Macbeth. Macbeth, who has murdered Duncan, is describing why he has just killed the sleeping guards who were supposed to be protecting Duncan. Macbeth: Who can be wise, amaz’d, temperate and furious, Loyal and neutral, in a moment? No man: The expedition of my violent love Outran the pauser, reason. Here lay Duncan, His silver skin lac’d with his golden blood; And his gash’d stabs look’d like a breach in nature For ruin’s wasteful entrance: there, the murderers, Steep’d in the colours of their trade, their daggers Unmannerly breech’d with gore: who could refrain, That had a heart to love, and in that heart Courage to make ’s love known? How does Shakespeare most develop the universal themes "the conflict between loyalty and betrayal” and "the quest for power” in these excerpts?

Answer
A
through the external conflict between Macbeth and the guards
B
through the external conflict between Macbeth and Duncan
C
through Macbeth’s references to Duncan’s murder
D
through Macbeth’s descriptions of Duncan

Explanation

Macbeth’s references to Duncan’s murder connect both themes. In the first excerpt, Macbeth recognizes that Duncan trusts him as a relative, subject, and host, so killing him would be a betrayal; he also acknowledges Duncan’s virtue. In the second, Macbeth describes Duncan’s murdered body and claims he killed the guards out of love, a story that conceals his betrayal as he pursues power. The guards are not Macbeth’s main conflict in these excerpts.

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