Kingship

Question 1

a gentleman on whom I built an absolute trust.

Answer 1

(D) act 1
dramatic irony as Duncan talks about the old thane of Cawdor, foreshadows Macbeths regicide

Question 2

I have begun to plant thee, and will labour

Answer 2

(D) act 1
Duncan’s intention to nurture Macbeths position- benevolent nature of kingship- reflection of God, contrasts Macbeths betrayal and behaviours

Question 3

So clear in his great office that his virtues will plead like angels

Answer 3

(M) act 1
Macbeth contemplates whether to kill Duncan or not, reflecting on his great virtues and leadership

Question 4

‘Noble Macbeth’ ‘Valour’ ‘Brave’

Answer 4

(D) act 1
Duncan refers to Macbeth as brave etc, meandering character arc

Question 5

O full of scorpions is my mind dear wife

Answer 5

(M) act 3
Macbeth’s unstable mental state further reflects the stress of kingship gained through murder and deceit.

Question 6

we have scorched the snake not killed it

Answer 6

(M) act 3
shows the fragility and insecurity of Macbeth’s kingship. This metaphor highlights the unnatural and unstable nature of his rule, built on fear, violence and paranoia. Macbeth can never feel secure because his kingship is founded on bloodshed

Question 7

to gain our peace, have sent to peace, Than on the torture of the mind to lie

Answer 7

(M) act 3
psychological unrest, M reflects on D’s murder

Question 8

my way of life is fall’n into the sear, the yellow leaf;

Answer 8

(M) act 5
reflects on the decay of his life, kingship brought him nothing

Question 9

is title hang loose about him, like a giant’s robe upon a dwarfish thief.

Answer 9

(Angus) act 5
M’s kingship seems insecure and ill fitting

Question 10

I’ll fight, till from my bones my flesh be hacked

Answer 10

(M) act 5
Macbeths obsession with power drives him to death