8
QuizMultiple Choice

Macbeth, Part 8: Universal Themes

Question 8 • English 2 Sem 2 (10013400) BCPS 2025-26

Excerpt 1: Read the excerpt from act 1, scene 3 of The Tragedy of Macbeth. Banquo says that Macbeth should be careful with the information he has received from the witches.Banquo. That, trusted home,Might yet enkindle you unto the crown,Besides the Thane of Cawdor. But ’tis strange:And oftentimes, to win us to our harm,The instruments of darkness tell us truths,Win us with honest trifles, to betray’sIn deepest consequence.Excerpt 2: Read the excerpt from act 3, scene 5 of The Tragedy of Macbeth. Hecate is telling the three witches about her plan for Macbeth.[Hecate.] I am for the air; this night I’ll spendUnto a dismal and a fatal end:Great business must be wrought ere noon:Upon the corner of the moonThere hangs a vaporous drop profound;I’ll catch it ere it come to ground:And that distill’d by magic sleightshall raise such artificial spritesAs by the strength of their illusionShall draw him on to his confusion:He shall spurn fate, scorn death, and bearHis hopes ’bove wisdom, grace, and fear;And you all know securityIs mortals’ chiefest enemy.

Answer
A
through references to trust and betrayal
B
through Macbeth’s internal conflict
C
through Macbeth’s conflict with Banquo
D
through references to the supernatural

Explanation

Both excerpts develop the idea that supernatural forces can deceive and influence people. Banquo warns that the “instruments of darkness” may use truthful predictions to betray Macbeth, while Hecate plans to use magical illusions to lead him toward confusion and false confidence. This makes references to the supernatural the shared method.

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