Macbeth--symbols In The Play
Some of the major symbols of the play are examed.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
The witches chorus in Act I, Scene I: "Fair is foul, and foul is fair." This quote is
- A.
A paradox(a statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth.)
- B.
A complete contradictory statement that rarely makes sense
- C.
Both a paradox and a prophecy
- D.
A statement about the weather
Correct Answer
C. Both a paradox and a prophecyExplanation
This statement is both a paradox and a prophecy, and is one of the profound symbols of the playRate this question:
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- 2.
When Macbeth says, "Methought I heard a voice cry, 'Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep'" The voice which Macbeth hears is:
- A.
Really the voices of the witches
- B.
Really the voice of his conscience
- C.
Really the admonishing voice of his wife
- D.
Really the voice of the ghost of Duncan
Correct Answer
B. Really the voice of his conscienceExplanation
The correct answer is really the voice of his conscience. In this quote, Macbeth is expressing his guilt and remorse for the murder he has committed. The voice he hears is not a physical voice, but rather a manifestation of his own guilty conscience. It symbolizes the psychological torment he is experiencing as a result of his actions.Rate this question:
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- 3.
A dagger floating through the air, Banquo's ghost sitting in a chair at a feast, Lady Macbeth's bloody hands, are all symbols of
- A.
Supernatural signs of the Macbeths' guilt
- B.
Representations of the play's violence
- C.
Visions and hallucinations
- D.
The conflict between reason and passion
Correct Answer
C. Visions and hallucinationsExplanation
The given symbols of a dagger floating through the air, Banquo's ghost sitting in a chair at a feast, and Lady Macbeth's bloody hands all suggest that they are not real, physical occurrences, but rather visions and hallucinations experienced by the characters. These symbols represent the characters' psychological state and their inner turmoil. They highlight the theme of the supernatural and the characters' descent into madness, as well as their guilt and remorse for their actions.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Much of the play centers on the struggle between light and darkness. The "light" in the first two acts is:
- A.
King Duncan
- B.
Banquo
- C.
Lady Macbeth
- D.
Fleance
Correct Answer
A. King DuncanExplanation
In the first two acts of the play, King Duncan represents the "light" as he is portrayed as a virtuous and fair ruler. He is well-respected by his subjects and is seen as a beacon of goodness. His character serves as a stark contrast to the darkness and evil that is slowly emerging within Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. King Duncan's presence symbolizes the order and stability that is threatened by the darkness and chaos that will unfold as the play progresses.Rate this question:
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- 5.
The dark and isolated fiendish actions of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are interrupted by the porter's knock at the gate. This could represent:
- A.
The Macbeths' better hurry and hide the deed
- B.
That Macduff and Lennox know that something is wrong from the unnatural disturbances of the night
- C.
A return to the real world and the guilt of the night's murder
- D.
The porter's drunkenness and lack of awareness
Correct Answer
C. A return to the real world and the guilt of the night's murderExplanation
The porter's knock at the gate in the midst of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth's dark and isolated actions symbolizes a return to the real world and the guilt associated with the murder they have committed. It serves as a reminder of their heinous act and the consequences they will have to face. The interruption breaks the tension and forces them to momentarily confront the reality of their actions, highlighting the guilt and remorse that will haunt them.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Thunder and lightning represent_________________ in nature.
Correct Answer
disturbancesExplanation
There are oh so many "disturbances" in this play!!!!Rate this question:
- 7.
To help Macbeth not call off the murder, Lady Macbeth questions his _________________.
Correct Answer
manhoodExplanation
Lady Macbeth questions Macbeth's manhood in order to manipulate him and appeal to his ego. By questioning his masculinity, she is challenging his courage and bravery, making him feel emasculated and weak if he were to back out of the murder. This psychological tactic is used to push Macbeth to go through with the murder and assert his dominance and power.Rate this question:
- 8.
Macbeth can be seen as a play about the __________________ of order through evil.
Correct Answer
disruptionExplanation
Macbeth can be seen as a play about the disruption of order through evil. The play revolves around Macbeth's ambition and his descent into darkness as he commits murder to achieve his desires. This disruption of order is evident in the chaos and destruction that follows Macbeth's actions, as well as the deterioration of his own moral compass. The play explores the consequences of disrupting the natural order and the corruption that can arise from giving in to evil impulses.Rate this question:
- 9.
Time is of cental importance in Macbeth.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
In the play Macbeth, time plays a crucial role in the development of the plot and the characters. The passage of time is highlighted through the use of soliloquies, which allow the audience to witness the characters' inner thoughts and motivations. Additionally, the concept of time is closely tied to the theme of fate and the inevitability of Macbeth's downfall. The witches' prophecies, which drive the events of the play, are also time-bound, adding to the significance of time in the story. Therefore, it can be concluded that time is indeed of central importance in Macbeth.Rate this question:
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- 10.
We have a continual vision of blood in Macbeth.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Throughout Shakespeare's play Macbeth, blood is a recurring motif that symbolizes guilt, violence, and the consequences of Macbeth's actions. From the very beginning, blood is mentioned when Macbeth kills the traitorous Macdonwald, and it continues to be referenced in various scenes, such as Lady Macbeth's infamous "Out, damned spot!" speech. The continual presence of blood serves to highlight the characters' moral decline and the destructive nature of their ambition. Therefore, the statement "We have a continual vision of blood in Macbeth" is true.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Banquo is the first person to say Macbeth's name in the play?
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Act I , Sc. I the witchesRate this question:
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