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Acts II-III Quote Quiz Sample Responses
Example #1:
In Act III scene VI, Lennox conveys his suspicions about Macbeth to a Lord. In his dialogue,
Lennox questions Macbeth’s decision to kill both of the guards that were blamed for Duncan’s
murder. When Lennox tells the Lord that “‘twould have angered any heart alive to hear [the]
men deny ‘t”, Shakespeare’s decision to include “any heart alive” is a use of a hyperbole. The
Hyperbole is used to satisfy King James, who reigned during Shakespeare’s time, because he
wanted the king to have a good image of him. Furthermore, it is also used as a message to the
audience, in letting them know that they should always favor the king.
Score: _____/10
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Example #2:
While speaking with a Lord about the murder of the king, Macduff calls the guards “the slaves of
drink and thralls of sleep.” By saying that the guards were “thralls of sleep,” Macduff is truly
trying to say they were innocent at the time, not being able to hurt any body. The idea of sleep
symbolizing peace or innocence also comes after killing the king, when Macbeth says “Macbeth
has killed sleep.” Because the king was asleep, he was not able to do anything, much like the two
guards. As history tells us, changes in power are not always peaceful, so a murder would likely
cause anger and hostility. This all connects to one of Shakespeare’s themes of not committing
treason, as by doing so you will not only be killing loyalty, but peace altogether.
Score: _____/10
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Keigher AS English II
Example #3:
Shakespeare uses diction (animals) to display Macbeth’s uneasiness around Banquo’s ghost. The
use of animals such as “...the rugged Russian bear, the armed rhinoceros, or th’ Hyrcan tiger…”
indicate Macbeth’s fear of Banquo’s ghost. All of the animals mentioned are seen by most as
terrifying. Macbeth is an exception. If Banquo’s ghost appeared as one of the metaphorical
animals, Macbeth would be afraid. He is also uneasy around the ghost because of guilt.
Shakespeare’s message is to always think through your choices or the bad ones will haunt you.
In this case, Macbeth is literally being haunted by his immoral decision to kill Banquo. This
situation ties into the [Babington] Plot in the 1580’s in which Mary Stuart plotted to end the
Tudor line, like Macbeth ending Banquo’s line.
Score: _____/10
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Example #4:
Banquo speculates about the Witches’ prophecy and wonders if it will come true for him and “set
[him] up in hope”; however, once Macbeth approaches him, Banquo’s immediate instinct is to
“hush [and say] no more” (Shakespeare III.i.1-10). By using “hope”, Shakespeare indicates that
Banquo wishes for the prophecy to come true. Directly following this Shakespeare writes “hush,
no more” which signifies that Banquo should keep his wish to himself. Shakespeare would make
this decision since witches were regarded as evil and supernatural in his era. Even talking to
witches, let alone yearning for their predictions to be correct would be look down on.
Shakespeare is warning his audience to beware of witches, especially since King James I of
Scotland, the ruling king during Shakespeare’s time was known for hunting and killing witches.
Score: _____/10
Notes:
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Keigher AS English II