Macbeth — Test Answers

Read the excerpt from act 1, scene 2, of The Tragedy of Macbeth. Duncan: No more that Thane of Cawdor shall deceive Our bosom interest. Go pronounce his present death, And with his former title greet Macbeth. Ross: I’ll see it done. Which statement best explains what this passage means?

Read the excerpt from act 1, scene 3, of The Tragedy of Macbeth . Macbeth: The Thane of Cawdor lives: why do you dress me In borrow’d robes? Angus: Who was the thane lives yet; But under heavy judgment bears that life Which he deserves to lose . Whether he was combin’d With those of Norway, or did line the rebel With hidden help [and] vantage, or that with both He labour’d in his country’s [wreck], I know not; But treasons capital, confess’d and prov’d, Have overthrown him. Which statement best paraphrases the underlined text in Angus’s response to Macbeth?

Read the excerpt from act 1, scene 3, of The Tragedy of Macbeth . Second Witch: Show me, show me. First Witch: Here I have a pilot’s thumb, [Wreck’d] as homeward he did come. [ Drum within .] Third Witch: A drum! a drum! Macbeth doth come. What do the stage directions show about the witches?

Read the excerpt from act 3, scene 2 of The Tragedy of Macbeth. Macbeth, who has just become king, is speaking to Lady Macbeth before the evening’s feast. Macbeth: Good things of day begin to droop and drowse, [While] night’s black agents to their preys do rouse. Thou marvell’st at my words: but hold thee still; Things bad begun make strong themselves by ill: So, prithee, go with me. Which word best describes the mood of this excerpt?

Read the excerpt from act 3, scene 2 of The Tragedy of Macbeth . Lady Macbeth is reflecting on her feelings after the coronation. Lady Macbeth: Nought’s had, all’s spent, Where our desire is got without content: ’Tis safer to be that which we destroy Than by destruction dwell in doubtful joy. What is the universal theme in this excerpt?