Read the excerpt from act 1, scene 5 of The Tragedy of Macbeth. Lady Macbeth explains to Macbeth that it is important to behave appropriately as the King and his attendants are about to arrive. The word thane is a title for a Scottish nobleman. Lady Macbeth: Your face, my thane, is as a book where men May read strange matters. To beguile the time, Look like the time; bear welcome in your eye, Your hand, your tongue: look like the innocent flower, But be the serpent under’t. Lady Macbeth states, "Your hand, your tongue: look like the innocent flower, / But be the serpent under’t.” How is this simile persuasive?
Answer
A
It convinces Macbeth that scheming with his wife is easier than carrying out the actual deed.
B
It suggests that Macbeth should indulge the king for the sake of gaining a new title.
C
It reminds Macbeth of the need to appear as a welcoming host to conceal his evil plans.
D
It predicts that Macbeth will be overly friendly to their guests and they will become suspicious.
Explanation
Lady Macbeth tells Macbeth to look like an “innocent flower” while hiding a “serpent” underneath. The contrast urges him to appear kind and welcoming to the king and his attendants while concealing his evil intentions. So the comparison reminds Macbeth to act like a gracious host as a disguise.
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