Macbeth Act 1 Scene 4 question and answers-worksheet-Macbeth Act 1 MCQ

Answer the following questions:

1. What is the news about the execution of Cawdor?
   • Answer: Malcolm informs Duncan that the execution of Cawdor has been carried out.
2. Have those who were assigned the task of executing Cawdor returned?
   • Answer: Malcolm reports to Duncan that the executioners have not yet returned.
3. How did the person who saw Cawdor’s execution describe it?
   • Answer: According to the person who witnessed Cawdor’s execution, he confessed his treasons, sought forgiveness from Duncan, and expressed deep remorse. His death was described as dignified and deliberate.
4. What does Duncan say about judging someone’s character based on their appearance?
   • Answer: Duncan states that it is impossible to discern the true intentions and thoughts of a person by merely looking at their face. He trusted Cawdor, considering him a gentleman deserving of absolute trust.
5. Who enters the scene after Duncan’s remarks?
   • Answer: Macbeth, Banquo, Ross, and Angus enter the scene.
6. How does Duncan address Macbeth?
   • Answer: Duncan greets Macbeth as his “worthiest cousin.”
7. What does Duncan express about his own sense of ingratitude towards Macbeth?
   • Answer: Duncan confesses that he feels a heavy sense of ingratitude towards Macbeth, acknowledging that Macbeth has surpassed his expectations, and any reward or repayment will be insufficient to match his deeds.
8. How does Macbeth respond to Duncan’s praise?
   • Answer: Macbeth humbly states that the service and loyalty he owes to Duncan are their own reward. He considers it his duty to fulfill his responsibilities and pledges his allegiance to Duncan’s throne and state.
9. How does Duncan address Banquo?
   • Answer: Duncan acknowledges Banquo’s merits and loyalty, expressing his desire to embrace Banquo and hold him close to his heart.
10. What is Banquo’s response to Duncan’s words?
    • Answer: Banquo replies that if he is growing in stature or achieves success, it is only because Duncan gave Banquo a scope to grow.
11. How does Duncan refer to his happiness and the establishment of his estate?
    • Answer: Duncan describes his abundant joy, which he desires to keep hidden within himself, overshadowed by drops of sorrow. He announces his intention to establish his estate with his eldest son, Malcolm, whom he declares as the Prince of Cumberland. Duncan emphasizes that this honor should not be bestowed solely on Malcolm but on all deserving individuals.
12. What task does Macbeth take upon himself after Duncan’s announcement?
    • Answer: Macbeth volunteers to be the one to announce Duncan’s arrival to his wife, and he leaves to fulfill this duty.
13. What does Macbeth reveal in his aside (private thought)?
    • Answer: Macbeth expresses his inner conflict upon hearing that Malcolm is now named the Prince of Cumberland, seeing it as an obstacle in his path. He contemplates the darkness and hidden desires within him and hopes that his actions will remain unseen while acknowledging the need to carry out those desires.
14. What is the significance of Duncan’s statement, “There’s no art to find the mind’s construction in the face”? How does this statement relate to the themes of appearance versus reality in Macbeth?
    • Answer: Duncan’s statement emphasizes the theme of appearance versus reality in Macbeth. It suggests that outward appearances cannot accurately reveal a person’s true intentions or character. This relates to the broader theme of deception and the idea that things are not always what they seem. In the context of the play, it foreshadows the later events where characters, like Macbeth, hide their true motives behind a facade of loyalty and honor.
15. In what ways does Macbeth’s aside reveal his internal struggle and conflicting desires? How does this moment foreshadow his future actions?
    • Answer: Macbeth’s aside reveals his internal struggle between his ambition and his sense of loyalty to Duncan. He recognizes that Malcolm’s appointment as Prince of Cumberland poses a significant obstacle to his own ambitions. His desire for power is in conflict with his knowledge that regicide goes against moral and societal norms. This moment foreshadows Macbeth’s future actions as he contemplates the idea of resorting to darkness and deceit to achieve his desires, setting the stage for his descent into treachery.
16. Discuss the contrast between Duncan’s trusting nature and Macbeth’s ambitious thoughts. How does this contrast contribute to the overall development of the play?
    • Answer: The contrast between Duncan’s trusting nature and Macbeth’s ambitious thoughts highlights the central conflict of the play. Duncan places unwavering trust in Macbeth, considering him a loyal and honorable subject. On the other hand, Macbeth’s ambitious thoughts and his growing desire for power create a stark contrast. This contrast serves to heighten the tension and dramatic irony in the play, as the audience is aware of Macbeth’s true intentions while Duncan remains oblivious. It also explores the corrupting nature of ambition and the lengths to which individuals may go to fulfill their desires.
17. Analyze the symbolism behind Duncan’s decision to name Malcolm as the Prince of Cumberland. What impact does this decision have on Macbeth and his ambitions?
    • Answer: Duncan’s decision to name Malcolm as the Prince of Cumberland symbolizes the transfer of power and succession. It signifies that Malcolm is the designated heir to the throne and the direct obstacle to Macbeth’s ambitions. This decision triggers Macbeth’s inner turmoil and fuels his ambition further. It becomes a catalyst for his plans to secure the throne through immoral means, as he sees himself having to either “fall down” and accept Malcolm’s position or find a way to “o’erleap” it and take matters into his own hands.
18. Q: What is the significance of Duncan’s reference to “stars” shining on all deservers?
    • Answer: Duncan’s reference to “stars” symbolizes the noble and virtuous qualities that should be bestowed upon deserving individuals. It suggests that those who display honor and loyalty will be recognized and rewarded, reinforcing the idea of a just and rightful rule.