Excerpt 1: Read the excerpt from act 3, scene 1 of The Tragedy of Macbeth. Macbeth is hiring three men to murder Banquo.Macbeth. So is he mine [enemy]; and in such bloody distanceThat every minute of his being thrustsAgainst my near’st of life: and though I couldWith bare-fac’d power sweep him from my sightAnd bid my will avouch it, yet I must not,For certain friends that are both his and mine,Whose loves I may not drop, but wail his fallWhom I myself struck down; and thence it isThat I to your assistance do make love,Masking the business from the common eyeFor sundry weighty reasons.Excerpt 2: Read the excerpt from act 5, scene 3 of The Tragedy of Macbeth. A servant has told Macbeth that the English army is coming to fight him. Macbeth curses the servant.Macbeth. Take thy face hence. [Exit Servant.] Seyton!—I am sick at heart,When I behold—Seyton, I say!—This pushWill cheer me ever, or disseat me now.I have lived long enough: my way of lifeIs fall’n into the sear, the yellow leaf;And that which should accompany old age,As honour, love, obedience, troops of friends,I must not look to have; but, in their stead,Curses, not loud but deep, mouth-honour, breath,Which the poor heart would fain deny, and dare not.
Answer
A
Macbeth regrets putting loyalty to others above his own happiness.
B
Macbeth’s betrayal of his devoted friends has left him alone and unhappy.
C
Macbeth is betrayed by those around him when he is most in need of hope.
D
Macbeth feels hopeless because he was unable to find men who were loyal to him.