Mrs. Ponte - Macbeth ACT III Reading Comprehension Quiz

1. When Macbeth says, "To be thus is nothing," To what does "thus" refer?

King

Queen

Murderer

Slave

In this context, "thus" refers to being a king. Macbeth is expressing his dissatisfaction with being a king, implying that it holds no value or significance to him.

Explanation

In this context, "thus" refers to being a king. Macbeth is expressing his dissatisfaction with being a king, implying that it holds no value or significance to him.

2. Who says, "Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown/ And put a barren scpeter in my gripe"

Banquo

Macbeth

Lennox

Lady Macbeth

In this quote, the speaker expresses their frustration and disappointment with the crown and power they have obtained. They describe the crown as "fruitless" and the scepter as "barren," suggesting that despite having achieved high status, it has brought them no satisfaction or fulfillment. This sentiment aligns with Macbeth's character, as he becomes increasingly consumed by guilt and paranoia after committing regicide to gain the throne.

Explanation

In this quote, the speaker expresses their frustration and disappointment with the crown and power they have obtained. They describe the crown as "fruitless" and the scepter as "barren," suggesting that despite having achieved high status, it has brought them no satisfaction or fulfillment. This sentiment aligns with Macbeth's character, as he becomes increasingly consumed by guilt and paranoia after committing regicide to gain the throne.

3. When Act III begins, _______ is King of Scotland

Banquo

Duncan

Macbeth

Lady Macbeth

When Act III begins, Macbeth is King of Scotland. This is evident from the events that unfold in the play. Macbeth's ambition and his willingness to commit murder to achieve his goals eventually lead him to become the King of Scotland. He kills Duncan, the previous king, and takes the throne for himself. This act sets off a chain of events that further solidify Macbeth's position as the ruler of Scotland.

Explanation

When Act III begins, Macbeth is King of Scotland. This is evident from the events that unfold in the play. Macbeth's ambition and his willingness to commit murder to achieve his goals eventually lead him to become the King of Scotland. He kills Duncan, the previous king, and takes the throne for himself. This act sets off a chain of events that further solidify Macbeth's position as the ruler of Scotland.

4. How many murderers appear in Act III scenes I and II?

Two

Five

Twenty-five

Zero

In Act III scenes I and II, there are two murderers that appear.

Explanation

In Act III scenes I and II, there are two murderers that appear.

5. What is Lady Macbeth's role in the plot to kill Banquo and Fleance?

She planned the murder.

She tried to talk Macbeth out of doing it.

She introduced Macbeth to the murderers.

She doesn't know anything about it.

Lady Macbeth's role in the plot to kill Banquo and Fleance is that she doesn't know anything about it. Although Lady Macbeth was heavily involved in the plot to kill King Duncan and played a major role in persuading Macbeth to commit the murder, she is not involved in the plan to kill Banquo and Fleance. Macbeth decides to carry out this plan on his own, without informing Lady Macbeth or seeking her assistance. Therefore, she remains unaware of his actions in this particular plot.

Explanation

Lady Macbeth's role in the plot to kill Banquo and Fleance is that she doesn't know anything about it. Although Lady Macbeth was heavily involved in the plot to kill King Duncan and played a major role in persuading Macbeth to commit the murder, she is not involved in the plan to kill Banquo and Fleance. Macbeth decides to carry out this plan on his own, without informing Lady Macbeth or seeking her assistance. Therefore, she remains unaware of his actions in this particular plot.