Read the excerpt from act 1, scene 5 of The Tragedy of Macbeth. Lady Macbeth and Macbeth are discussing Duncan’s upcoming stay at their castle. Lady Macbeth. And when goes hence?Macbeth. To-morrow, as he purposes.Lady Macbeth. O! neverShall sun that morrow see.Your face, my thane, is as a book where menMay read strange matters. To beguile the time,Look like the time; bear welcome in your eye,Your hand, your tongue: look like the innocent flower,But be the serpent under ’t. He that’s comingMust be provided for; and you shall putThis night’s great business into my dispatch;Which shall to all our nights and days to comeGive solely sovereign sway and masterdom.
Answer
A
Lady Macbeth is pressuring Macbeth to appear as something he is not in order to conceal his inner turmoil.
B
Lady Macbeth is concerned that Macbeth is unable to properly welcome his guest and must give him advice.
C
Lady Macbeth is eager to play the hostess, welcoming the king with beautiful decorations and vibrant flowers.
D
Lady Macbeth is confident that they can appear as innocent bystanders while their plot to kill the king is carried out.
Explanation
Lady Macbeth tells Macbeth to “look like the innocent flower” while being “the serpent under ’t,” urging them to hide their true intentions behind a welcoming appearance. She says Duncan “must be provided for” and that she will handle “this night’s great business,” referring to their plan to kill him. This supports the idea that they will appear innocent while carrying out the plot.
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