Question 5 • English 2 Sem 2 (10013400) BCPS 2025-26
Excerpt 1: Read the excerpt from act 4, scene 2 of The Tragedy of Macbeth. A messenger arrives at Macduff’s castle. He warns Lady Macduff to leave the castle with her children and implies that Macbeth intends to harm them.Messenger. Bless you, fair dame! I am not to you known,Though in your state of honour I am perfect.I doubt some danger does approach you nearly:If you will take a homely man’s advice,Be not found here; hence, with your little ones.To fright you thus, methinks, I am too savage;To do worse to you were fell cruelty,Which is too nigh your person. Heaven preserve you!I dare abide no longer.Excerpt 2: Read the excerpt from act 4, scene 2 of The Tragedy of Macbeth. Lady Macduff responds to the messenger’s warning to flee the castle or be harmed.Lady Macduff. Whither should I fly?I have done no harm. But I remember nowI am in this earthly world; where to do harmIs often laudable, to do good sometimeAccounted dangerous folly: why then, alas,Do I put up that womanly defence,To say I have done no harm?
Answer
A
Lady Macduff realizes that malicious acts against the innocent are now commonplace.
B
The messenger uses his position and power to frighten Lady Macduff and her little ones.
C
Lady Macduff wishes she were more ruthless so she could have more power.
D
The messenger suggests that innocent people are more important than powerful people.
Explanation
Lady Macduff recognizes that she lives in a world where doing harm is often praised, while doing good can be considered foolish or dangerous. This shows her understanding that innocent people may be in danger because cruelty has become commonplace. Choice A best captures that realization; she does not say she wants greater power or ruthlessness.
AI-written and checked against the verified answer.