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ISC
MACBETH
WORKBOOK ANSWERS

All Scenes Covered

Summary

MCQs Included

All Question Answers

250+ Pages

Well Organised Indications

Curated Answers

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TABLE OF
CONTENTS
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Chapter Names Page
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01 ACT 1 SCENE 1 4

02 ACT 1 SCENE 2 13

03 ACT 1 SCENE 3 24

04 ACT 1 SCENE 4 33

05 ACT 1 SCENE 5 42

06 ACT 1 SCENE 6 51

07 ACT 1 SCENE 7 58

08 ACT 2 SCENE 1 87

09 ACT 2 SCENE 2 95

10 ACT 2 SCENE 3 104

11 ACT 2 SCENE 4 114

12 ACT 3 SCENE 1 130

13 ACT 3 SCENE 2 139

14 ACT 3 SCENE 3 148

15 ACT 3 SCENE 4 152

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16 ACT 3 SCENE 5 164

17 ACT 3 SCENE 6 170

18 ACT 4 SCENE 1 184

19 ACT 4 SCENE 2 194

20 ACT 4 SCENE 3 201

21 ACT 5 SCENE 1 220

22 ACT 5 SCENE 2 228

23 ACT 5 SCENE 3 235

24 ACT 5 SCENE 4 242

25 ACT 5 SCENE 5 247

26 ACT 5 SCENE 6 254

27 ACT 5 SCENE 7 259

28 ACT 5 SCENE 8 264

29 ACT 5 SCENE 9 271

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Act 1 Scene 1

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ACT 1 SCENE 1
Shakespeare Achieves Mastery In His Opening Scenes. The
Opening Scene In Macbeth Is Short And Gripping. It Takes
Place On A Heath That Is Barren And Deserted. There Is
Darkness Everywhere; It Is Relieved Occasionally By Thunder
And Lightning. Three Witches, The Unearthly Ugly Hags, Enter
The Scene To Decide The Time, Place And The Purpose Of
Their Next Meeting.

Time: When The Hurlyburly’s Done,

When The Battle’s Lost, And Won.
…That Will Be Ere The Set Of Sun.
Place: Upon The Heath
Purpose: To Meet With Macbeth

Macbeth, The Tragic Hero In The Play, Is Thus Introduced. The

Witches Are Accompanied By Their Familiars, That Is, Animals
With Whom They Are Associated. During The Scene, A Cat
Mews Calling The First Witch. Similarly A Toad Croaks Calling
The Second Witch. This Intensifies The Mysterious
Atmosphere In The Scene. In Response To The Call From Their
Familiars, The Three Witches Vanish Into The Thin Air While
Chanting, The Tone And Temper Of The Play:

Fair Is Foul, And Foul Is Fair,

Hover Through The Fog And Filthy Air.

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Act 1 Scene 1 - Multiple Choice Questions

1. What Does Thunder, Lightning And Rain In The Opening

Scene Suggest?

(A) Beginning Of A Battle

(B) Arrival Of Angels
(C) Commotion In Nature
(D) None Of The Above.

Answer :- (C) Commotion In Nature

2. When Do The Witches Plan To Meet Macbeth?

(A) After The Sunset

(B) After The End Of Battle
(C) Before The Sunrise
(D) Before The Storm.

Answer :- (B) After The End Of The Battle

3. Which Of The Following Is Correct About The Witches?

(A) They Have A Soft Corner For Macbeth

(B) They Tempt Men With Their Goodness
(C) They Have Knowledge Of Future Events
(D) None Of The Above.

Answer :- (C) They Have Knowledge Of Future Events

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Act 1 Scene 1 - Multiple Choice Questions

4. What Do The Witches Symbolise In The Play?

(A) Desire In Man’s Mind To Do Wrong

(B) Temptation In Man To Work For Himself
(C) Desire In Man To Control Others
(D) Temptation To Harm Others.

Answer :- (A) Desire In Man’s Mind To Do Wrong

5. What Is The Purpose Of The Witches In The Play?

(A) To Lure Their Victims

(B) To Guide The Nobility Of Their Impending Death
(C) To Tempt Their Victims With Riches In The Forest
(D) To Bring About Doom Of Their Victims.

Answer :- (D) To Bring About The Doom Of Their Victims

6. What Do The Witches Use To Deceive People?

(A) Gestures
(B) Songs
(C) Riddles
(D) All Of The Above.

Answer :-(C) Riddles

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Act 1 Scene 1 - Multiple Choice Questions

7. What Do The Witches Keep As Their Assistants?

(A) Birds
(B) Animals
(C) Wizards
(D) All Of The Above.

Answer :- (B) Animals

8. This Scene Does Not Give Any Information About

(A) A Battle
(B) A Future Meeting
(C) Macbeth
(D) A Murder.

Answer :- (D) A Murder.

9. Who Is Referred To As ‘Paddock’ By The Second Witch In

This Scene?

(A) Cat
(B) Rat
(C) Toad
(D) Dog.

Answer :- (C) Toad

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Act 1 Scene 1 - Multiple Choice Questions

10. The Fog And Filthy Air’ In This Scene Depicts An

Atmosphere In which

(A) Witches Use Their Magic

(B) Deceitful Evil Operates
(C) Battles Begin
(D) Witches Kill Their Victims.

Answer :- (B) Deceitful Evil Operates

11. Which Of The Following Premonition Of The Witches

Describe The Theme Of The Play?

(A) Fair Is Foul And Foul Is Fair

(B) Falsehood Must Be Hidden
(C) Foul Is Fair And Fair Is False
(D) Foul And Fair A Day.

Answer :- (A) Fair Is Foul And Foul Is Fair

12. Who Are The ‘Three’ Referred To In The First Line Of The
Opening Scene?

(A) The Three Rebels

(B) The Three Witches
(C) The Three Familiars
(D) The Three Nobles.

Answer :- (B) The Three Witches

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Act 1 Scene 1 - Multiple Choice Questions

13. Which Of The Following Themes Is Reflected In The

Opening Scene Of The Play?

(A) Trust And Deceit

(B) Inversion Of Faith
(C) Inversion Of Values
(D) Poetic Justice.

Answer :- (C) Inversion Of Values

14. Why Do The Witches Want To Meet Macbeth?

(A) To Deliver A Prophecy About His Future

(B) To Make Him Aware Of His Reign
(C) To Punish Him For His Evil Acts
(D) To Congratulate Him On His Victory.

Answer :- (A) To Deliver A Prophecy About His Future

15. What Do The Witches Mean By ‘Hurlyburly’s Done’?

(A) The Hurry To Meet Macbeth

(B) The Bad Weather Is Over
(C) The Din And Tumult Of Battle Is Over
(D) None Of The Above.

Answer :- (C) The Din And Tumult Of Battle Is Over

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Act 1 Scene 1 - Complete The Sentences

1. The Heath Is A Befitting Place For The Witches To Meet

Because it establishes the atmosphere of mystery and
horror and provides a suitable back the tragedy.

2. The Three Witches Plan To Meet Again Because they

wanted to meet Macbeth when he would return from the
battle after defeat' Macdonwald.

3. The Three Witches Want To Meet Macbeth Because

they want to prophecize about the events to come in
future for Macbeth.

4. The Three Witches Along With Their Familiars Are

Used Because they intensify the mysterious atmosphere
in the scene.

5. The Theme Fair Is Foul, And Foul Is Fair’ As Used By

The Witches To Portray The Theme Of Inversion Of
Values Because whatever is good is bad and whatever is
bad is good for the witches.

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Act 1 Scene 1 - Complete The Sentences

6. The Witches And Their Familiars Reflect The Unnatural

Inversion Because They Defy The Natural Order Of The
World, Wielding Powers Beyond Mortal Comprehension
And Disrupting The Balance Between Good And Evil.

7. The Witches Stand For Psychological Representation Of

The Evil Because They Tap Into The Darkest Desires And
Ambitions Of The Human Psyche, Tempting Characters
Like Macbeth To Commit Heinous Acts In Pursuit Of
Power.

8. Macbeth Is Introduced To The Audience Because He Is

Destined To Become The Central Figure In The Unfolding
Tragedy, With His Encounter With The Witches Serving
As A Catalyst For His Descent Into Ambition And Moral
Decay.

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Act 1
Long Question Answers

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Act 1 - Question 1
(I) Referring Closely To Act I Of The Play, State The
Characteristics Of The Witches. [5]

Answer :- Characteristics Of The Witches:

In Act 1 Of Macbeth, The Witches Are Portrayed As

Enigmatic And Supernatural Entities Who Possess Several
Distinctive Characteristics:

Physical Appearance: Shakespeare Describes Them As

“Withered” And “Wild,” With Features That Are Both
Human And Monstrous. They Have Beards, A
Traditionally Masculine Trait, Yet They Are Referred To
As “Weird Sisters,” Emphasizing Their Otherworldly
Nature.

Behavior And Speech: The Witches Speak In Rhyming

Couplets And Use Cryptic Language Filled With
Paradoxes And Riddles. For Instance, They Declare,
“Fair Is Foul, And Foul Is Fair,” Suggesting The Inversion
Of Traditional Moral Values. Their Speech Is Ominous
And Unsettling, Setting The Tone For The Supernatural
Elements Of The Play.

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Act 1 - Question 1
Magical Abilities: The Witches Demonstrate
Supernatural Powers By Conjuring Storms And
Prophecies. They Accurately Predict Macbeth’s Future
As The Thane Of Cawdor And The Future King,
Highlighting Their Ability To Manipulate Fate And
Influence Mortal Affairs.

Manipulative Nature: The Witches Play A Pivotal Role

In Shaping Macbeth’s Destiny. They Plant Seeds Of
Ambition And Deception In His Mind, Leading Him
Down A Path Of Greed And Treachery. Their Deceptive
Nature Is Evident As They Vanish Into Thin Air After
Delivering Their Prophecies, Leaving Macbeth And
Banquo Bewildered And Vulnerable To Their Influence.

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Act 1 - Question 1
(II) How Does The Opening Scene Of The Play Reflect On
The Theme Of Inversion Of Values? [5]

Answer :- Theme Of Inversion Of Values In The Opening

Scene:

The Opening Scene Of Macbeth Masterfully Reflects The

Theme Of The Inversion Of Values Through Various
Elements:

Location And Atmosphere: The Scene Is Set In A

Desolate And Ominous Landscape, Symbolizing The
Disruption Of The Natural Order. The Witches’
Presence In Such A Bleak Environment Suggests A
Distortion Of Conventional Morality And Societal
Norms.

Paradoxical Speech: The Witches’ Dialogue Is Laden

With Paradoxes And Contradictions, Such As “Fair Is
Foul, And Foul Is Fair,” Which Challenges Conventional
Notions Of Good And Evil. This Linguistic Inversion
Serves To Blur The Lines Between Right And Wrong,
Foreshadowing The Moral Ambiguity That Permeates
The Play.

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Act 1 - Question 1
Prophecies And Fate: The Witches’ Prophecies Foretell
Events That Defy Conventional Expectations And Moral
Principles. By Proclaiming Macbeth’s Rise To Power
Through Deceit And Violence, They Suggest That
Success Can Be Achieved Through Immoral Means,
Subverting Traditional Notions Of Honor And Virtue.

Foreshadowing Of Chaos: The Opening Scene Serves As

A Harbinger Of The Chaos And Disorder That Will
Engulf Scotland As A Result Of Macbeth’s Ambition And
Tyranny. The Witches’ Presence And Prophecies Signal
The Impending Upheaval And Moral Decay That Will
Unfold Throughout The Play, Underscoring The Theme
Of The Inversion Of Values.

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Act 1 - Question 1
(III) (A) Briefly State The Importance Of The Opening
Scene Of The Play. [10]

Answer :- Importance Of The Opening Scene:

The Opening Scene Of Macbeth Holds Significant

Importance In The Overall Structure And Thematic
Development Of The Play:

Establishes Atmosphere And Tone: It Sets The Tone

For The Entire Play, Establishing A Dark And Foreboding
Atmosphere Infused With Supernatural Elements. The
Eerie Setting And Mysterious Characters Create A
Sense Of Unease And Anticipation, Captivating The
Audience’s Attention From The Outset.

Introduces Key Themes And Motifs: The Opening

Scene Introduces Essential Themes And Motifs That
Recur Throughout The Play, Such As Fate, Ambition,
And The Supernatural. By Presenting These Thematic
Elements Early On, Shakespeare Lays The Groundwork
For The Exploration Of Complex Moral And Existential
Questions.

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Act 1 - Question 1
Characterizes The Witches: The Opening Scene Serves
As An Introduction To The Witches, Who Play A Crucial
Role In Shaping The Events Of The Play. By Establishing
Their Mysterious And Manipulative Nature,
Shakespeare Paves The Way For Their Subsequent
Influence On Macbeth’s Actions And Decisions.

Foreshadows Events To Come: The Prophecies Uttered

By The Witches In The Opening Scene Foreshadow Key
Events And Developments In The Plot, Including
Macbeth’s Ascent To Power And Eventual Downfall.
This Foreshadowing Creates Suspense And Tension,
Driving The Narrative Forward And Heightening
Dramatic Tension.

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Act 1 - Question 1
(B) The Atmosphere In The Opening Scene Is That Of
Gloom And Disorder. Discuss. [10]

Answer :- Atmosphere Of Gloom And Disorder:

The Atmosphere In The Opening Scene Of Macbeth Is

Characterized By Gloom And Disorder, Evoking A Sense Of
Foreboding And Unease:

Desolate Setting: The Scene Unfolds In A Barren And

Desolate Landscape, Typically Associated With Decay
And Desolation. The Windswept Heath And Thunderous
Storms Create A Sense Of Isolation And Bleakness,
Reflecting The Moral And Spiritual Turmoil That
Pervades The Play.

Supernatural Presence: The Appearance Of The

Witches, With Their Grotesque And Otherworldly
Features, Contributes To The Atmosphere Of Gloom
And Disorder. Their Uncanny Presence Disrupts The
Natural Order, Signaling The Intrusion Of The
Supernatural Into The Human Realm.

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Act 1 - Question 1
Paradoxical Speech And Imagery: The Witches’
Dialogue Is Filled With Paradoxes And Contradictory
Imagery, Such As “Fair Is Foul, And Foul Is Fair,” Which
Confound Conventional Expectations And Moral
Distinctions. This Linguistic Inversion Mirrors The
Moral Chaos And Confusion That Characterize The
World Of The Play.

Foreshadowing Of Tragedy: The Atmosphere Of Gloom

And Disorder In The Opening Scene Foreshadows The
Tragic Events That Will Unfold As A Result Of Macbeth’s
Ambition And Moral Decay. The Witches’ Ominous
Presence And Cryptic Prophecies Set The Stage For The
Ensuing Bloodshed And Betrayal, Heightening The
Sense Of Impending Doom.

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20

Act 4 Scene 3

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ACT 4 SCENE 3
The Scene Is Laid In England Outside The Palace Of King
Edward The Confessor. Macduff Is In England To Meet
Malcolm But He Is Unaware Of The Tragedy That Has Befallen
His Family. Macduff Tells Malcolm That He Is The Successor
To The Throne Of Scotland; And Instead Of Regretting The
Sorry State Of Their Country, They Should Take Up The Sword
And Liberate Scotland From The Tyranny Of Macbeth. Macduff
Describes That Every Morning “New Widows Howl And New
Orphans Cry” In Scotland. Malcolm Has A Feeling That
Macduff Has Come To Him Not As A Supporter But As
Macbeth’s Spy.

Malcolm Tests Macduff : Malcolm Is Prudent-Spies Have

Already Come To Him To Know Of His Secret Plans. So Before
Confiding In Macduff, He Tests His Honesty And Sincerity.
With This End In View, He Paints Himself As The Most Wicked
Person. Malcolm Pretends That He Is Not Interested In The
Kingship. He Confirms That He Is Lacking In All Those
Qualities Which A Man Needs In Order To Function
Successfully As A King. He Is More Lustful, More Greedy, More
Bloody And Ruthless Than Any Other Person. If He Becomes
The King, Scotland Would Be Definitely Worse Off Than It Is
Under The Rule Of Macbeth. Nobody’s Honour Or Life Would
Be Safe Under His Rule.

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ACT 4 SCENE 3
Macduff’s Efforts : Macduff Sadly Reminds Him The Good
Example Of His Parents. Duncan, His Father Was A Man Of
Saintly Character. Malcolm’s Mother Was More Often Found
Kneeling In Prayer Than Sitting Or Standing. Thus, Every Day
She Lived, She Lived A Life Of Prayer And Penance. In A
Dejected Mood He Bids Malcolm Farewell. Now Macduff’s
Hopes About Their Motherland Are Dashed. He Cries Out In
Despair :

O Nation Miserable,
With An Untitled Tyrant Bloody-Scepter’d
When Shalt Thou See Thy Wholesome Days Again?

Malcolm’s True Nature : Malcolm Is Convinced That Macduff

Is Sincere In His Expressions Of Patriotism And His Help. He
Explains Why He Had Painted Himself In Dark Colours. Then
He Says That He Does Not Suffer From The Defects Of
Character Which He Has Enumerated. On The Contrary,
Malcolm Says That He Has Never Got Entangled With A
Woman, Never Violated An Oath, Never Was Greedy, And
Never Betrayed Anyone. Macduff Is Somewhat Puzzled By This
Different Self-Portrayal Of Malcolm.

Meanwhile, Malcolm Opens Out To Him His Plans And

Strategy. The King Of England Has Promised Him All Help
Possible. Ten Thousand Soldiers Are Ready To Fight Against
Macbeth, And A Number Of Other Lords And Nobles, Would
Accompany Them. Macduff Is Pleased With This News.
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ACT 4 SCENE 3
Edward The Confessor : While Malcolm Is Talking To Macduff, A
Doctor Comes On The Scene. Malcolm Wants To Know From Him
When The English King Is Coming Out. The Doctor Informs Them
That The King Is Coming Out After Some Time As Lots Of People
Affected By Some Strange Disease Are Waiting To Be Cured By His
Touch. Malcolm Tells Macduff That The Disease, Scrofula, For
Which Is There No Known Remedy, Can Only Be Cured By The
Touch Of The King Who Is Endowed With Some Heavenly Powers.
This Is Intended To Be A Compliment To King James I, As King
Edward Was His Ancestor.

News From Scotland : Ross Enters The Scene And Reports To

Malcolm That Scotland Is Passing Through A Period Of Great
Suffering And Agony. Their Country Has Become Like A Grave. It
Has Become A Place Where No One Smiles Except Those Who Are
Ignorant Of The Real State Of Affairs. Scotland Is A Place Where
Sighs, Shrieks And Groans Rend The Air. Funeral Bells Are Still
Rung There, But Nobody Takes The Trouble To Enquire For Whom
The Bell Tolls. In Their Motherland Upright Men Die
Unexpectedly. People Die Even Before They Fall Ill.

Murder Of Macduff’s Family : Ross Tells Macduff That His Castle

Has Been Captured, His Wife And Children Have Been Murdered
By Macbeth’s Men. Ross Does Not Want To Give Him Details Of
The Horrible Crime. Malcolm Is Shocked On Hearing This News.
He Requests Macduff Not To Suppress His Sorrow. He Must
Express His Anguish. Macduff Is Eager To Meet Macbeth Face To
Face At The Earliest And Bring Him Within The Reach Of His
Sword. He Wants To Have A Mortal Duel With The Devil Of
Scotland. Now Macduff Has A Personal Score To Settle With
Macbeth, Besides The Wish To Rid His Country Of A Tyrant.

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Act 4 Scene 3 - Multiple Choice Questions

1. What Does Macduff Ask Malcolm To Do?

(A) To Make Him His Ambassador To Scotland

(B) To Return To Scotland And See Its Condition
(C) To Form A Group Of People Who Are Against Macbeth
(D) To Take Up The Sword And Liberate Scotland From
Macbeth.

Answer :- (D) To Take Up The Sword And Liberate Scotland

From Macbeth.

2. What Reply Does Malcolm Give To Macduff’s Request?

(A) He Cannot Take Up Sword Against Macbeth

(B) He Would Do So At A Favourable Time
(C) He Would Wait For Macbeth’s Downfall
(D) He Was Not A Worthy Opponent.

Answer :- (B) He Would Do So At A Favourable Time

3. What Feeling Does Malcolm Have For Macduff At The

Beginning Of The Scene?

(A) He Would Betray Him To Get A Reward From Macbeth

(B) He Himself Wants To Become The King
(C) He Has His Own Selfish Motive In Joining Him
(D) He Is Macbeth In Disguise.

Answer :- (A) He Would Betray Him To Get A Reward From

Macbeth

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Act 4 Scene 3 - Multiple Choice Questions

13. Who Are Referred To By Malcolm As ‘We’ All Together?

(A) Macduff, Old Siward And Himself

(B) All The People Of Scotland
(C) All The Patriots In Scotland
(D) All The Enemies Of Macbeth.

Answer :- (A) Macduff, Old Siward And Himself

14. King Edward Could Cure The People Afflicted By Which Of

The Following Diseases Just By His Touch?

(A) Mumps
(B) Scrofula
(C) Scurvy
(D) None Of The Above.

Answer :- (B) Scrofula

15. Besides Curing People Of A Disease, Which Other Power Of

King Edward Is Referred To In This Scene?

(A) Making Prophecy

(B) Reading Minds
(C) Performing Magical Tricks
(D) None Of The Above.

Answer :- (A) Making Prophecy

16. Answer :- (C) Old Siward

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Act 4 Scene 3 - Complete The Sentences

1.Macduff Tells Malcolm To Take Up The Sword Because He

Wants Him To Join In The Fight Against Macbeth And
Liberate Scotland From His Tyranny.

2. Malcolm Feels That Macduff Would Betray Him Because He

Wants To Test Macduff’s Loyalty And Discern Whether He Is
Genuinely Committed To The Cause Of Overthrowing
Macbeth.

3. Malcolm Feels That His Country Would Be A Victim Of

Greater Tyranny Under Him Because He Pretends To Possess
Vices Such As Greed, Lust, And Cruelty To Dissuade Macduff
From Supporting Him As The Rightful King.

4. Malcolm Paints Himself As The Most Wicked Person To

Test Macduff’s Reactions And To Ascertain Whether Macduff
Is Truly Devoted To The Welfare Of Scotland Or If He
Harbors Selfish Motives.

5. Shakespeare Has Given A Long Conversation Between

Macduff And Malcolm About The Vices To Explore Themes Of
Loyalty, Patriotism, Leadership, And The Moral Qualities
Required In A Ruler. This Conversation Serves To Reveal The
Depth Of Macduff’s Commitment To Scotland And Malcolm’s
Cunning Strategy To Test Macduff’s Allegiance.

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Act 4
Long Question Answers

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Act 4 - Question 2
(I) State Two Incidents In Macbeth’s Life Where He Acted With
Apparent Security And Which Later Led Him To His Downfall.
[5]

Answer :- Macbeth’s Downfall Can Be Traced Back To Several

Incidents In Which He Acted With Apparent Security But
Ultimately Led To His Undoing. One Such Incident Is His
Encounter With The Witches In Act 1, Where Their Prophecies
Initially Fuel His Ambition And Sense Of Invincibility. Macbeth
Feels Secure In The Belief That “None Of Woman Born” Can
Harm Him And That He Is Safe Until Birnam Wood Moves To
Dunsinane Hill. However, These Prophecies Later Prove
Deceptive, Leading Him To Make Rash Decisions And
Underestimate His Adversaries, Ultimately Contributing To His
Downfall. Another Incident Occurs When Macbeth Orders The
Murder Of Banquo And His Son Fleance To Secure His Throne.
Despite His Initial Sense Of Security After Banquo’s Death,
Fleance’s Escape And Macbeth’s Subsequent Paranoia About
Potential Threats To His Reign Foreshadow His Eventual
Demise. These Instances Highlight Macbeth’s False Sense Of
Security And The Tragic Consequences Of His Unchecked
Ambition.

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Act 4 - Question 2
(II) Referring Closely To Act IV Of The Play, State What Made
Macbeth To Suddenly Attack The Family Of Macduff. Describe
The Brutality Of The Murders Of Lady Macduff And Her Son.
[5]

Answer :- In Act IV, Macbeth’s Sudden Attack On The Family

Of Macduff Is Motivated By His Growing Paranoia And
Desperation To Eliminate Any Perceived Threats To His Power.
Learning From The Witches’ Prophecies That Macduff Poses A
Threat To His Reign, Macbeth Orders The Slaughter Of
Macduff’s Wife, Lady Macduff, And Their Innocent Son, Along
With Their Household Staff. The Brutality Of The Murders Is
Evident In The Heart-Wrenching Dialogue Between Lady
Macduff And Her Son As They Face Their Impending Doom.
Lady Macduff’s Poignant Lamentations And Her Son’s
Innocence Starkly Contrast With The Ruthlessness Of
Macbeth’s Agents, Who Show No Mercy In Their Execution.
The Scene Underscores The Depths Of Macbeth’s Depravity
And The Tragic Consequences Of His Unchecked Ambition, As
He Sacrifices The Lives Of Innocent Victims In His Relentless
Pursuit Of Power.

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Act 4 - Question 2
(III) (A) Analyse Macbeth As A Typical Shakespearean Tragedy.
[10]

Answer :- Macbeth Exemplifies The Quintessential

Shakespearean Tragedy Through Its Portrayal Of A Flawed
Protagonist Whose Ambition And Moral Decline Lead To His
Downfall. The Play Follows The Traditional Tragic Structure,
With Macbeth’s Rise To Power, His Descent Into Moral
Corruption And Madness, And His Eventual Downfall And
Death. As A Tragic Hero, Macbeth Possesses Noble Qualities
But Is Ultimately Undone By His Fatal Flaw—His Unchecked
Ambition. His Actions Lead To A Chain Of Events That
Culminate In His Tragic Demise, Evoking Pity And Fear In The
Audience. The Play Explores Universal Themes Such As The
Corrupting Influence Of Power, The Consequences Of
Unchecked Ambition, And The Complexities Of Human Nature,
Making It A Timeless Classic Of Tragic Literature.

(B) Critically Examine The Role Of The Supernatural Element

In The Play.[10]

Answer :- The Supernatural Element Plays A Significant Role

In Macbeth, Serving As A Catalyst For The Protagonist’s
Descent Into Madness And Moral Corruption. The Witches’
Prophecies And Supernatural Apparitions Contribute To The
Atmosphere Of Foreboding And Ambiguity That Pervades The
Play. The Witches’ Ambiguous Prophecies Fuel Macbeth’s
Ambition And
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Act 4 - Question 2
Paranoia, Leading Him To Commit Heinous Acts In Pursuit Of
Power. The Supernatural Elements Also Serve To Blur The Line
Between Reality And Illusion, As Seen In The Apparitions’
Cryptic Messages And Their Impact On Macbeth’s Psyche.
Additionally, The Presence Of Supernatural Elements
Underscores The Theme Of Fate Versus Free Will, As
Characters Grapple With The Notion Of Predetermined
Destiny And The Consequences Of Their Actions. Overall, The
Supernatural Element Adds Depth And Complexity To The
Play, Enriching Its Thematic Exploration And Contributing To
Its Enduring Relevance And Appeal.

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29

Act 5 Scene 9

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ACT 5 SCENE 9
Young Siward Killed : There is jubilation in Malcolm's camp. The
battle is won. Malcolm, and his forces gather in another part of
the battlefield. They take stock of their gains and losses in the
battle. Malcolm finds that Macduff and Siward's noble son are not
seen among the crowd. Ross tells Siward that his son has died on
the battlefield. He had proved his bravery while fighting on the
battlefield. Furthermore, he proved his valour by meeting his
death like a man of immense courage.

Liberation of Scotland : When Malcolm and the nobles lament for

the death of Young Siward, Macduff enters the scene carrying
Macbeth's severed head set on a pole. Finally, the usurper of the
throne of Scotland is killed; and Malcolm, the rightful heir to the
throne is now king. Macduff hails him as king. He displays to all,
the accursed head of the cruel and despotic usurper. Their
country is now safe and peace will prevail soon in Scotland.
Malcolm is surrounded by all his nobles conveying to him good
wishes. Macduff appeals to them to join him when he acclaims
Malcolm as the King of Scotland.

New King : Malcolm on his part rewards his thanes and friends
with the title of Earls. Scotland has conferred this title on her men
for the first time. The new king promises to welcome back his
countrymen who had fled to foreign lands. He refers to Macbeth
and Lady Macbeth as the dead butcher and his devilish queen who
took her life with her own violent hands. Besides thanking all
those who are present on the scene, he invites them for his
coronation at Scone.

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Act 5 Scene 9 - Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is meant by the term ‘a soldier's debt?

(a) A soldier’s duty for his nation

(b) A soldier’s life
(c) A soldier’s duty for his family
(d) A soldier’s promise

Answer :- (b) A soldier’s life

2. Who is said to have paid ‘a soldier’s debt’ in this scene?

(a) Siward’s son

(b) Macduff
(c) Macbeth
(d) Ross

Answer :- (a) Siward’s son

3. Who is said to have died like a man’

(a) Macbeth
(b) Banquo
(c) Siward’s son
(d) King Duncan

Answer :- (c) Siward’s son

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Act 5 Scene 9 - Multiple Choice Questions

4. What is indicated by Malcolm's victory in this scene?

(a) Victory of brave over coward

(b) The restoration of natural order in this scene
(c) The restoration of the rule of a coalition
(d) None of the above.

Answer :- (b) The restoration of natural order in this scene

5. Malcolm rewards his Generals with which title 'the first that
ever in Scotland?

(a) Baron
(b) Viscount
(c) Count
(d) Earls

Answer :- (d) Earls

6. What do you understand by 'cheaply bought'?

(a) Won with a slight loss of lives.

(b) Obtained easily.
(c) Won without fighting a bloody battle.
(d) Purchased by paying off enemy soldiers.

Answer :- (a) Won with a slight loss of lives.

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Act 5 Scene 9 - Multiple Choice Questions

7. Who is the 'dead butcher'?

(a) Malcolm
(b) Macbeth
(c) Banquo
(d) Macduff

Answer :- (b) Macbeth

8. What is the importance of Scone?

(a) It houses the king's palace

(b) It is where the coronation ceremony occurs
(c) It is where the dead kings are buried
(d) All of the above.

Answer :- (b) It is where the coronation ceremony occurs

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Act 5
Long Question Answers

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Act 5 - Question 1
(i) Referring closely to Act V of the play, how does Lady
Macbeth betray herself by her speech and action? [5]

Answer :- Lady Macbeth's self-betrayal in Act 5 unfolds

notably through her speech and actions, fraught with the
weight of guilt and remorse. Her descent into madness
becomes palpable during the sleepwalking scene, where
she unconsciously reveals her involvement in the murders.
The incessant hand-washing, an attempt to cleanse the
figurative bloodstains, vividly illustrates her futile struggle
to absolve herself. The disjointed and fragmented nature of
her speech mirrors her fractured psyche, laying bare the
toll of her ambition-driven choices. Through her unraveling
words and deeds, Lady Macbeth exposes the tragic
consequences of unchecked ambition and moral
transgression. This pivotal moment underscores
Shakespeare's exploration of the human condition, wherein
the pursuit of power exacts a profound psychological toll,
ultimately leading to spiritual decay and self-annihilation.
Thus, Lady Macbeth's betrayal of herself serves as a
poignant reminder of the inherent fragility of the human
soul and the corrosive effects of moral compromise.

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Act 5 - Question 1
(ii) Referring closely to Act V of the play, state how does
Macbeth show that he is disillusioned with his life. [5]

Answer :- In Act 5, Macbeth's disillusionment with life

echoes poignantly in his soliloquy upon learning of Lady
Macbeth's demise. The bitter resignation pervading his
words reflects a profound sense of existential emptiness,
wherein life is likened to a meaningless narrative "told by
an idiot." This disillusionment stems from the realization
that his relentless pursuit of power has led to a hollow
existence devoid of purpose or fulfillment. The imagery of
"sound and fury" underscores the futility of his endeavors,
highlighting the tragic irony of a life consumed by ambition
yet devoid of substance. Macbeth's lamentations serve as a
poignant commentary on the dehumanizing nature of
unchecked ambition and its corrosive effects on the soul.
Shakespeare masterfully explores the existential crisis
faced by individuals who sacrifice their humanity in the
pursuit of power, offering a profound meditation on the
nature of existence and the inherent emptiness of material
success. Thus, Macbeth's disillusionment serves as a
sobering reminder of the fleeting nature of earthly pursuits
and the enduring importance of moral integrity.

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Act 5 - Question 1
(iii) (a) Explain the significance of the sleep-walking scene.
What light does it throw on the main character in the
scene. [10]

Answer :- The sleep-walking scene in Act 5 serves as a

pivotal moment, shedding light on the depths of Lady
Macbeth's internal turmoil and the psychological
ramifications of her complicity in Duncan's murder.
Through her somnambulistic confession and frantic
attempts to cleanse her hands of imaginary blood,
Shakespeare vividly portrays the erosion of her sanity and
the haunting grip of guilt. This scene not only humanizes
Lady Macbeth, revealing the fragility beneath her steely
façade but also underscores the inexorable descent into
madness spurred by unbridled ambition. Furthermore, it
foreshadows her tragic demise, emphasizing the moral and
psychological toll exacted by the pursuit of power at any
cost. Thus, the sleep-walking scene serves as a poignant
exploration of the consequences of moral compromise and
the fragile nature of the human psyche. Shakespeare's
portrayal of Lady Macbeth's inner turmoil invites reflection
on the universal struggle between conscience and
ambition, offering a profound meditation on the
complexities of human nature and the enduring power of
guilt and remorse

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Act 5 - Question 1
(b) With reference to Birnam Wood, explain how the
witches deceive Macbeth. How is the theme of appearance
and reality carried out in the movement of Birnam Wood?
[10]

Answer :- Birnam Wood's deceptive movement plays a crucial

role in Macbeth's downfall, epitomizing the theme of
appearance versus reality. The witches' prophecy seemingly
assures Macbeth's invincibility, proclaiming his defeat
impossible until Birnam Wood physically approaches
Dunsinane Hill. However, Malcolm's army cunningly employs
branches from Birnam Wood as camouflage, creating the
illusion of a moving forest. This strategic subterfuge effectively
deceives Macbeth, who interprets it as a literal fulfillment of
the prophecy. The juxtaposition of appearance and reality is
starkly evident here, as the innocuous guise of a forest
conceals the true intentions of Malcolm's forces.
Consequently, Macbeth's fatal misinterpretation underscores
the treacherous nature of ambition and the blinding effects of
unchecked hubris. Shakespeare masterfully explores the
theme of appearance versus reality, inviting reflection on the
deceptive nature of power and the tragic consequences of
succumbing to its allure. Through the movement of Birnam
Wood, Shakespeare offers a poignant commentary on the
fragility of human perception and the inherent limitations of
mortal understanding. Thus, Birnam Wood serves as a
powerful symbol of the illusory nature of worldly success,
reminding audiences of the timeless adage: "All that glitters is
not gold."
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