Macbeth (Abridged) | BOSEM Class X | Solved Textual Exercises

Class - X

English Literature Reader

Chapter -2

Macbeth

William Shakespeare

I. Answer the following questions in a sentence each.

1. Whose help did Macdonwald seek when he rebelled against King Duncan?

Ans.: - Macdonwald, in his rebellion against King Duncan, sought assistance from the king of Norway and his soldiers.

2. How did the third witch address Macbeth?

Ans.: - The third witch spoke to Macbeth, referring to him as the future king of Scotland.

3. Why did Lady Macbeth not stab King Duncan herself?

Ans.: - Lady Macbeth refrained from stabbing King Duncan herself due to the distressing sight of the king with his white hair on his pillow, which evoked memories of her own father.

4. "Then Macbeth caught sight of his own hands..." What did Macbeth see of his own hands?

Ans.: - Macbeth observed that his hands were moist with the blood of King Duncan.

5. After the discovery of the king's murder, why did Macbeth kill the two grooms guarding the king?

Ans.: - After learning about the king's murder, Macbeth was so overwhelmed with grief and anger that he killed the two grooms who were guarding the king. This was triggered by his intense emotions upon seeing them with their blood-stained clothes and daggers.

6. "All pledged this toast, but as Macbeth took the cup from his lips and would have sat down again, there..." What did Macbeth see?

Ans.: - Macbeth caught sight of Banquo behind him, covered in blood, pale, and staring at him with open, lifeless eyes.

7. Malcolm escaped to England. What treatment did he find in the hands of the English king?

Ans.: - After his father's passing, Malcolm, who was the rightful king of Scotland, was warmly welcomed by the king of England.

8. In his second meeting with the Weird Sisters, what did the first figure say to Macbeth?

Ans.: - In the second encounter with the Weird Sisters, the initial apparition cautioned him to be wary of Macduff, the Thane of Fife.

9. When Macduff reached England, Malcolm at first treated him unkindly. Why?

Ans.: - When Macduff arrived in England, Malcolm initially treated him harshly to test his loyalty and ensure that he was not a spy sent by Macbeth.

10. What tactics did Malcolm adopt to hide the exact number of his soldiers as they reached Birnam Wood?

Ans.: - When they arrived at Birnam Wood, Malcolm ordered each soldier to take a leafy branch from a tree and carry it, effectively concealing the true number of his troops from Macbeth's scouts.

II. Answer the following questions briefly.

1. Why did the king of Norway crave for a truce immediately?

Ans.: - In the midst of the battle, the King of Norway witnessed the courageous and valiant actions of Macbeth, a brave general serving under Duncan. Macbeth fought with great determination, ultimately defeating Macdonwald. The king was deeply moved by Macbeth's valour, leading him to seek an immediate truce. He agreed to pay a substantial ransom in exchange for permission to bury his fallen soldiers and safely depart from the battlefield.

2. What fate did the Thane of Cawdor meet for plotting against King Duncan?

Ans.: - The Thane of Cawdor was sentenced to death for conspiring against the king. Additionally, it was decreed that his properties, possessions, and title should be confiscated and given to Macbeth as recognition for his bravery.

3. What were the prophecies made to Macbeth by the Weird Sisters?

Ans.:- The Weird Sisters prophesied to Macbeth that he, the Thane of Glamis would be the Thane of Cawdor, and eventually the King of Scotland.

4. What prophecies did the Weird Sisters make to Banquo?

Ans: - After the three witches greeted Banquo, the first witch mentioned that he would be less than Macbeth but also greater, the second witch stated that he would be less happy than Macbeth but much happier, and the third witch declared that he would not be a king but would father kings.

5. What piece of news prompted Macbeth to aspire for the throne of Scotland?

Ans.: - After encountering the Weird Sisters, Macbeth and Banquo encountered two of the king's noblemen approaching them. One of them, Ross, rode up to Macbeth and informed him that the king had bestowed upon him the title of Thane of Cawdor in recognition of his bravery. This revelation fulfilled the second prophecy of the witches and sparked Macbeth's ambition to pursue the throne of Scotland, as foretold in the third prophecy.

6. "When Lady Macbeth received the letter her thoughts caught fire..." What characteristic of Lady Macbeth made her think so?

Ans.: - Lady Macbeth shared her husband's ambition, yet she lacked his innate kindness, causing him to hesitate in pursuing the crown through deceitful methods. Her unwavering determination to see her husband become the king of Scotland drove her to incite him to take extreme measures, including the murder of the king as he visited their castle as a guest. Lady Macbeth's ambitious nature heavily influenced her thoughts and actions.

7. What arguments made Macbeth hesitant to murder the king while he was a guest in his castle?

Ans.: - Lady Macbeth was insistent that King Duncan be killed while he was a guest in Macbeth's castle. Macbeth dwelled on the idea but was reluctant to act for several reasons. He believed that he would face damnation after his death if he committed regicide. Additionally, he felt responsible for protecting the king, who was his guest and kinsman. Furthermore, Duncan was known as a gentle and honest ruler, so his murder would evoke widespread sympathy and horror towards his killer. Consequently, despite his desire for the throne, Macbeth feared that it would only bring him misery and disaster, leading to his hesitation. (Regicide: The act of killing a king)

8. Why did Macbeth finally decide to murder the king?

Ans.: - Macbeth initially hesitated to murder the king, but he was deeply affected when his wife derided and mocked him for being too weak to seize what he desired. Additionally, she revealed that she had meticulously plotted the murder. Consequently, he overcame his uncertainties and ultimately resolved to carry out the assassination of the king.

9. Why did Banquo begin to hate Macbeth?

Ans.: - When the prophecies made by the weird sisters started coming true one by one, Banquo was present with Macbeth. He witnessed Macbeth's reactions to these events. Consequently, it would be reasonable to consider Banquo as the first character to become suspicious of Macbeth when King Duncan was murdered. Before long, Banquo began to harbour hatred towards Macbeth as he became certain that Macbeth was the true murderer of the old King.

10. How did Macbeth feel when he learnt that Fleance had escaped?

Ans.: - Macbeth was filled with despair and fear when he discovered that Fleance had managed to escape. This was due to the witches' previous prophecy, which predicted that Banquo's sons would eventually ascend to the throne of Scotland. This revelation only served to intensify Macbeth's determination to confront any opposition with even greater force.

11. Why did Macbeth decide to meet the Weird Sisters a second time?

Ans.: - Macbeth commanded the murder of Banquo and Fleance, but Fleance managed to escape, causing Macbeth to feel hopeless and consumed with fear over the witches' prophecy that Banquo's descendants would rule Scotland. Despite being the king of Scotland, he felt isolated and despondent, and he dreaded the potential exposure of his violent deeds. In this state of mind, he resolved to seek out the Weird Sisters in order to gain insight into his future.

12. When Macbeth met the Weird Sisters for the second time, what did the third figure tell him?

Ans.: - When Macbeth encountered the Weird Sisters for the second time, the third apparition advised him to be courageous like a lion and to be confident. It also reassured Macbeth that he need not fear those who plotted against him, as he would not be vanquished until Birnam Wood moved to Dunsinane Hill to oppose him.

13. What did Macbeth do when he heard that Macduff had fled to England?

Ans.: - Macbeth's fury knew no bounds when he learned that Macduff had fled to England, evading his grasp. He dispatched his soldiers to seize Macduff's castle by force and kill every inhabitant, including his wife and children.

14. Why did Macbeth feel that non one could conquer him?

Ans.: - In his second encounter with the witches, Macbeth received a prophecy from the second apparition, stating that he could not be harmed by a man born of a woman. The third apparition also conveyed that he would only be defeated when Birnam Wood came to Dunsinane Hill. Taking these prophecies literally, Macbeth believed that he was invincible and that no one could overcome him.

15. How did Birnam Wood move to Dunsinane?

Ans.: - Malcolm led a substantial army toward Scotland to assert his rightful claim to the kingdom. Upon reaching Birnam Wood, he ordered each soldier to cut a leafy branch from the trees in the forest, preventing Macbeth's scouts from discerning the size of his forces. The distant sight created the illusion that Birnam Wood itself was moving towards Dunsinane.

16.  '"Your charm is useless" retorted Macduff...' Why did Macduff say so to Macbeth?

Ans.: - When Macbeth encountered the witches for a second time, the second figure conveyed to him that no man naturally born from a woman could pose a threat to him. This led Macbeth to hold the misguided belief that he was invincible. However, Macduff's circumstances were extraordinary as he was delivered by Caesarean section, making his birth unconventional. This unique birth meant that he was not subject to the limitations of a typical birth, and thus could bring harm to Macbeth. Consequently, Macduff pointed out to Macbeth that his supposed invincibility was futile.

III. Answer the following questions in about 80 words each.

1. Bring out the significance of Macbeth and Banquo's first meeting with the witches.

Ans.: - The initial encounter of Macbeth and Banquo with the witches on the desolate heath following a triumphant battle in the play holds great significance and contributes to the development of various aspects of the storyline. This encounter serves to introduce the audience to the supernatural element, setting the stage for the unfolding of mystical and otherworldly occurrences. Furthermore, it establishes a pervasive theme of disorder through the presence of the witches, the tumultuous weather, and the desolate landscape, creating an atmosphere of malevolence, deceit, and desolation that persists throughout the play. The witches' prophecies play a pivotal role in instilling false hope and providing impetus for Macbeth's subsequent actions, thereby serving as the catalyst for his primary call to action. Additionally, the presence of the witches conveys themes of treason and impending doom, contributing to a sense of moral ambiguity.

During their encounter with the three witches, Macbeth is hailed with three salutations representing the past, present, and future. He is initially recognized as the Thane of Glamis, a title he already holds, then as the Thane of Cawdor, which he is soon to be informed of, and finally as the future king. While Banquo remains unaffected by the prophecies, Macbeth is deeply impacted and becomes entangled in disturbing thoughts. It is only after receiving news of his new title as the Thane of Cawdor that he begins to contemplate the idea of assassinating King Duncan. Although the witches do not explicitly instruct Macbeth to commit regicide, their subtle form of temptation through the prophecies effectively steers him towards his own demise. While Macbeth ultimately takes the actions that lead to his downfall, it can be argued that the witches bear responsibility for planting the seeds of these destructive ideas in his mind. Without the witches' prophecies, it is conceivable that Macbeth's tragic actions may not have transpired.

In conclusion, the encounter with the witches and the subsequent prophecies play a pivotal role in the plot's development and are integral to the narrative. The witches' influence on Macbeth, combined with the prophecies, significantly contribute to the unfolding of the storyline, underscoring the crucial importance of this initial meeting.

2. Write the circumstances that led Macbeth to kill King Duncan.

Ans.: - Macbeth's decision to kill King Duncan was influenced by a combination of factors:

• The prophecies of the witches: When the witches prophesied that Macbeth would become king, it planted the seed of ambition and desire for power in his mind. Unlike Banquo, Macbeth's thoughts turned towards the idea of becoming king, and the realization of the witches' prophecy filled his mind with dark and ambitious thoughts.
• Ambition and treason: Macbeth's ambitious nature and willingness to entertain treasonous thoughts led him to consider the possibility of taking the throne by force. The combination of the witches' prophecies and his own ambitious disposition fuelled his desire for power.
• Recognition and honours: Following his victories in battle, Macbeth was celebrated as a valiant warrior and was rewarded by being made the Thane of Cawdor. These honours further inflated his sense of entitlement and stoked his ambitions.
• Wife's influence: Lady Macbeth played a significant role in goading Macbeth towards regicide. She used her cunning and manipulation to challenge his manhood and courage, pushing him to seize the opportunity to become king. Her taunts and persuasion contributed to Macbeth's decision to take desperate measures to claim the throne.

In summary, Macbeth's decision to murder King Duncan was driven by a combination of the witches' prophecies, his own ambitious and treasonous nature, and the manipulative influence of his wife, Lady Macbeth. These factors converged to lead Macbeth down a dark and tragic path, ultimately culminating in regicide.

3. 'Macbeth by this time was in a high fever of doubt..." Why was Macbeth in such a state of mind?

Ans.: - Macbeth, by nature, possessed ambition, but his inherent kindness prevented him from pursuing the crown through deceitful means. However, Lady Macbeth's unwavering determination to see her husband become the king of Scotland led her to incite him to stop at nothing, even to the extent of murdering the king as he stayed as a guest in their own castle. As the time to carry out the regicide approached, Macbeth was consumed by overwhelming doubt, comprehending the gravity of the heinous act that his wife was pushing him to commit. King Duncan, who was to be the victim, was not only Macbeth's king but also a guest and a gentle, honest ruler. The prospect of Duncan's death would elicit widespread sympathy and revulsion against his murderer. Macbeth was aware that the coveted crown could ultimately bring him nothing but anguish and calamity. On one hand, he understood that killing Duncan would lead to damnation in the afterlife, yet on the other hand, he also recognized that he would reap what he sowed. Consequently, weighing these pros and cons left Macbeth in a tumultuous state of mind.

4. Explain the reason of Macbeth's behaviour at the supper at which Banquo was to be the chief guest.

Ans.: - After becoming the king of Scotland, Macbeth hosted a celebratory banquet for his nobles at his castle, with Banquo as his chief guest. Initially, everything seemed to proceed normally as the guests were welcomed and they all gathered for the meal. However, Banquo was noticeably absent, as he had been murdered by Macbeth. This absence was symbolized by an empty seat at the table, which Macbeth perceived as being occupied by the ghost of Banquo. To Macbeth's distress, he also saw the ghost a second time during a toast, causing him to behave erratically and unsettle the gathering. Despite Lady Macbeth's efforts to mitigate the situation, she eventually had to ask the nobles to leave due to her fear of her husband's revelations during his disturbed state.

The appearance of Banquo's ghost provides insight into Macbeth's inner turmoil. While outwardly, Macbeth is willing to commit murder to achieve his desires, internally, he grapples with intense guilt. The manifestation of the ghost at the banquet is significant as it marks the public display of Macbeth's internal conflict for the first time. This event marks the beginning of Macbeth's descent into paranoia and signals the unravelling of his character.

5. Explain the reason of Lady Macbeth's strange behaviour in her sleep after the death of the King.

Ans.: - After the King's death, Lady Macbeth experiences a psychological delusion where she believes that King Duncan's blood is stuck to her hands. This delusion manifests as apparent madness, though it only occurs when she is asleep. The doctor and gentlewoman who attend to her witness her walking with a candle in her hand, her eyes open but unresponsive. During these episodes, she engages in activities such as getting up, writing on a piece of paper, reading and sealing it, and pretending to wash her hands repeatedly. Additionally, she speaks of "spots" and "blood," and she chastises her husband while sleepwalking, indicating her deep inner turmoil.

The irony of Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking lies in the fact that while she mocks and insults Macbeth for his feelings of guilt and regret, she herself is unable to bear the weight of her own guilt. Despite being Macbeth's closest confidant and partner in his heinous deeds, her inner torment and constant anxiety lead her to descend into madness. Her profound guilt over the murders is evident, providing a clear explanation for her peculiar behaviour during her sleepwalking episodes. This serves to underscore the serious consequences of King Duncan's murder and the toll it takes on those involved in the act.

6. Give a character sketch of:

(a) Macbeth.

Ans.: - In William Shakespeare's tragic play Macbeth, the central character is Macbeth, who serves as the protagonist and tragic hero. He is initially portrayed as a virtuous and valiant warrior, highly regarded for his bravery on the battlefield. However, Macbeth's downfall is ultimately caused by his tragic flaw, which is his excessive ambition.

Macbeth's journey begins with his encounter with the witches, whose prophecies ignite his ambition and lead him down a path of treachery and moral decay. Despite his initial reluctance, the fulfilment of the witches' prophecies triggers a profound transformation in Macbeth, propelling him towards his ambitious desires.

When he learns of the prophecy that he will become king, Macbeth becomes consumed by his aspirations, leading him to contemplate regicide. Although he experiences inner turmoil and guilt over the idea of murdering King Duncan, his wife's relentless persuasion and questioning of his manliness ultimately drive him to commit the heinous act.

Following the regicide and his ascension to the throne, Macbeth's psyche becomes increasingly tormented. Plagued by paranoia, insecurity, and a growing sense of isolation, he descends into a tyrannical and ruthless ruler. His reign is characterized by a series of brutal and unjust actions as he attempts to secure his power, all while grappling with overwhelming guilt and fear.

Ultimately, Macbeth's descent into tyranny and moral degradation culminates in his demise. He meets his end at the hands of Macduff, a former ally who seeks to avenge the atrocities committed under Macbeth's rule. In his tragic unravelling, Macbeth serves as a cautionary tale of the destructive consequences of unchecked ambition and the corruption of power.

(b) Lady Macbeth

Ans.: - Lady Macbeth, a character of great power and ambition in literature, lacks humanity and is driven by a burning desire to become queen. She is depicted as ruthless and ambitious, and she is willing to plot and scheme to ensure that the throne of Scotland belongs to her husband. Her ambitious nature is a defining quality, and she is influential in the planning and execution of King Duncan's murder. Lady Macbeth also continually challenges her husband's courage, despite his past military accomplishments, and she maintains a public façade of gentleness and hospitality, luring the king into her castle.

However, Lady Macbeth ultimately fails to live up to her own ruthless standards. As the events spiral out of control, she becomes overwhelmed and mentally deranged, unable to cope with the guilt, anxiety, and stress brought on by her actions. Her descent into madness is evident through her sleepwalking and her inability to maintain her previous commanding demeanour. In the end, she succumbs to overwhelming anxiety and ultimately takes her own life, becoming a mere shadow of her former self.

7. Whey did Macbeth describe his life as 'vain and useless' comparing it with 'a little candle soon burnt out'?

Ans.: - Macbeth's life started as that of a courageous Scottish general, known for his honour and nobility. However, as time passed, his ambition led him to commit the heinous act of murdering his own king and relative, Duncan. Subsequently, he further debased himself by eliminating his friend Banquo and the family of Macduff, revealing his descent into tyranny and paranoia.

Following Duncan's murder, Macbeth found himself compelled to eliminate others in order to maintain the secrecy of his actions and protect himself. This transformation resulted in him becoming a king with few loyal subjects, unable to trust even his own nobles. Furthermore, his wife, who had once been his companion and ally, was consumed by ceaseless horror and anxiety, ceasing to provide him with support.

In the latter part of the play, Macbeth learned of Lady Macbeth's death and the approaching armies led by Malcolm. Despite these developments, he had become so hardened that he felt no sorrow for his wife. At this juncture, he succumbed to pessimism and despair, recognizing the futility of his life and likening it to a brief, brightly burning candle that is swiftly extinguished. His reign as king was marked by events that were ultimately futile and meaningless, akin to a tale narrated by a fool. Ultimately, he comprehended the emptiness of his existence, realizing that despite his royal status, he was neither happy nor secure, and his wife met a tragic end.

8. Describe the role of the witches in the story of Macbeth.

Ans.: - The witches in Macbeth symbolize the impact of supernatural forces on human events. Within the play, they are portrayed as malevolent and wicked, with their actions intricately linked to the themes of destiny and corruption. They also contribute to the recurring motif of "fair is foul, and foul is fair" throughout the play. Additionally, they function as agents of fate by conveying their prophecies to Macbeth, thus spurring him to pursue his ambition.

Macbeth illustrates how easily swayed individuals can be. The character of Macbeth is heavily influenced by the witches. While the witches are not directly accountable for Macbeth's actions, they do bring forth his inherent evil by subtly tempting him with the idea of his destined kingship. By implanting this notion in his mind, they effectively steer him towards his own downfall. Many of Macbeth's subsequent actions are closely linked to the witches' prophecies, and they also lead him to believe in his invincibility. This false sense of security ultimately leads to his demise when he confronts Malcolm and Macduff, falling prey to the witches' web of deceit and betrayal.

The weird sisters, also known as the three witches, are the fundamental cause of the conflict at the heart of this play, thereby holding a crucial role in the narrative of Macbeth.

9. Do you think the story has a lesson to teach? Elaborate on it.

Ans.: - Macbeth is a tragic play penned by the renowned playwright, William Shakespeare. This theatrical piece is situated in medieval Scotland and explores themes such as ambition, power, greed, deception, and treachery. The narrative revolves around Macbeth, the valiant general of the king, and his subsequent downfall.

Macbeth is a narrative of ambition, and thus, Shakespeare utilises the protagonist's motives to illustrate the perils of excessive ambition. This can be linked to contemporary society as it is inherent in human nature to yield to temptation, and therefore, Shakespeare cautions against the consequences of unrestrained ambition. The primary lesson of Macbeth is that ambition can be humanity's greatest adversary, especially when it is unlawful. Its potency as an adversary lies in its internal workings. Macbeth would have retained his greatness, nobility, and widespread admiration if the witches had not incited him on the heath, and if his wife had not supported his ambition. His wife should not have endorsed her husband's unlawful desires. However, a partnership tainted by guilt and fear is short-lived, and soon after Duncan's death, the bond between them weakened.

Furthermore, it also conveys the message that crime never leads to success. While Macbeth meets his demise in defeat and death, Lady Macbeth suffers from sleepwalking, ultimately leading to her own death. Their aspiration to possess something that does not rightfully belong to them ultimately leads to their downfall.