Critical Reading The following question is based on your reading of Macbeth, Act III. In The Tragedy of MacBeth, Act III, scene i, what does Macbeth mean when he says, “Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown/And put a barren scepter in my gripe,/Thence to be wrenched with an unlineal hand,/No son of mine succeeding"?
Answer
A
He will be the victim of many violent crimes, including robbery.
B
His royal possessions have no monetary value.
C
His children will hate him.
D
His royal position will not be passed on to his children.
Explanation
Macbeth calls his crown “fruitless” and his scepter “barren,” meaning his kingship will produce no heirs. He fears that someone outside his family will take the throne, since “No son of mine” will succeed him. Therefore, the best answer is that his royal position will not be passed on to his children.
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