Text Based Questions RP Pg 136

1) By referring closely to the above extract, explain the reasons

Macbeth gives for not killing Duncan.
ANS: Reasons:
1

Questions the possibility of

success and consequences

2.

Violence he uses may be used

against him

3.

M is his kinsman and subject so

he is trusted by the king

4.

M as host should protect the king

5.

Duncan is a gentle and virtuous

king

6.

Many people will be horrified and

pity him
No good reason to kill the king
except for his ambition

7.

If it were done.done
quickly
If th
assassination..success
that we but teach.th
inventor
This even handed justice
own lips
Hes here in double trust
as I am his kinsman..the
deed
as his host,/Who should
against
Hath borne his faculties so
meek
his virtues will plead like
angels..
And pity, like a.every eye
I have no spur/Vaulting
ambition

2. How does Lady Macbeth persuade Macbeth to change his mind later
on in the scene?
Methods she uses
1.

Questions his ambition

was the hope drunk,/

Wherein you dressed
yourself?
wakes it now to look so
green and pale..

Says she doubts his love

From this time/Such I

account thy love

3.

Implies he is afraid to achieve

Art thou afeard/ To be.in

what he desires/ Calls him a

coward/ taunts his manhood

desire
Wouldst thou have that
coward in thine own esteem
Letting I dare not wait
upon I would
When you durst do it, then
you were a man

4.

Says Macbeth used to be brave in

the past

Nor time nor place.would

make both

5.

Says she would be ruthless to get

what she wants, unlike him

I would, while it was smiling

in my face,.dashed the
brains out

6.

Said Macbeth had sworn and

should carry out his word

had I so sworn as you/ Have

done to this

3. How does the above extract and Lady Macbeths words to Macbeth
reveal about their characters?
Macbeth

Cowardly wants to back out of murder well proceed no

furtherbusiness

Ambitious I have no spur/Vaulting ambition

Sense of conscience says Duncan has honoured me of late,

fear of consequences we still have judgement here

Easily persuaded by wife I am settled and bend up

Sensitive about himself being a man when you durst do

it, then you were a man!, I dare do all that may become a
man

Lady Macbeth

Controlling/domineering screw your courage to the

sticking-place /And well not fail, harsh tone of voice used in
taunting husband

Scheming Comes up with plot to kill Duncan plans to make

guards drunk and kill Duncan in his sleep

Cruel/Ruthless Willing to go as far as to kill a newborn baby

while it was smiling.dashed the brains out

Knows her husband well able to manipulate her husbands

vulnerabilities/ weaknesses to get him to do what she wants

Ambitious insists that Macbeth go ahead with the plan to kill

Duncan despite his reservations