"The Tragedy of Macbeth" by William Shakespeare

How do the stage directions in Act I, Scene 3, contribute to the drama?

• They help the reader understand the direction of the actors’ movements on and off the stage.

• They signal to the reader who is speaking and what emotions should be conveyed in specific lines of dialogue.

• They let the reader know that the drama includes dramatic sound effects, including thunder and drum music.

• They provide the reader with behind-the-scenes information, including which actors will be in the next scene.

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Read the dictionary entry.

illness \ĭl’nĭs\ n 1. a sickness or disease 2. a state or condition of poor health 3. the quality of being disagreeable 4. sinfulness

Which definition represents the meaning of illness as it is used in Act I, Scene 5, line 17?

• Definition 1

• Definition 2

• Definition 3

• Definition 4

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What is the function of the dramatic irony present in Duncan’s arrival at Macbeth’s castle in Act I, Scene 6?

• Macbeth’s purposeful absence suggests that he will abandon Lady Macbeth in the future.

• Lady Macbeth’s warm welcoming of Duncan provides him with a false sense of security and comfort.

• Banquo’s description of the healthy air of the castle provides him with an opportunity to betray Duncan.

• Duncan’s pleasant demeanor allows him to ignore rumors about Macbeth murdering him.

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What theme found in the play is most clearly illustrated in Lady Macbeth’s efforts to persuade her husband to murder Duncan in Act I, Scene 7, lines 47–54?

• The association of cruelty with masculinity

• The differences between perception and reality

• The question of whether fate or free will controls events

• The differences between being a king and being a tyrant

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Which sentence best describes how the character of Macbeth changes after he murders Duncan?

• He begins to suffer from hallucinations.

• He begins to feel that life is meaningless.

• He becomes determined to die honorably in battle.

• He becomes quick to kill anyone he sees as a threat.

  Part B

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Which quotation from the play best represents MacBeth becoming quick to kill anyone he sees as a threat?

• There’s nothing serious in mortality. / All is but toys. Renown and grace is dead. (Act II, Scene 3, lines 87–88)

• Do not muse at me, my most worthy friends. / I have a strange infirmity, which is nothing / To those that know me. (Act III, Scene 4, lines 85–87)

• From this moment / The very firstlings of my heart shall be / The firstlings of my hand. (Act IV, Scene 1, lines 146–148)

• I’ll fight till from my bones my flesh be hacked. / Give me my armor. (Act V, Scene 3, lines 32–33)

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Lady Macbeth’s dialogue in Act V, Scene 1 reveals her —

• pridefulness

• confusion

• anger

• guilt

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Read the quotation from Act V, Scene 5, lines 38–41.

Macbeth. If thou speak’st false, Upon the next tree shall thou hang alive Till famine cling thee. If thy speech be sooth, I care not if thou dost for me as much.—

Which word best expresses the meaning of the archaic word sooth as it is used in line 40?

• True

• Threatening

• Mistaken

• Kind

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Which sentence best describes how Banquo serves as a foil to Macbeth?

• Banquo lacks ambition.

• Banquo forgives his enemies.

• Banquo suspects the witches of deceit.

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Which sentence best describes how Banquo serves as a foil to Macbeth?

• Banquo values loyalty above his own interests.

• Banquo has pride in his reputation as a warrior.

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