NOTE: The marking scheme and pattern for Question 3 in all Acts and scenes

in the workbook will be as shown below:

Act 1 :scene1
i. Though the three witches only appear in four scenes of the play they
create an eerie and evil atmosphere or mood right through the play.
Referring closely to Scene I express your thoughts regarding the
atmosphere of the play. Write your answer in a short paragraph of
about 100-150 words.
ii. How does the opening scene of the play reflect on the supernatural
with the appearance of the three witches? Write your answer in a short
paragraph of about 100-150 words.
Answer:-
i. The opening scene of “Macbeth” immediately immerses the audience in a
world where the natural order is subverted, as evidenced by the witches’
chant, “Fair is foul, and foul is fair” (Act 1, Scene 1). This paradoxical
statement, along with their haunting presence in the desolate heath amidst
thunder and lightning, encapsulates the play’s atmosphere of foreboding.
The witches’ dialogue, riddled with prophecies and cryptic messages, not
only sets a supernatural tone but also foreshadows the ensuing chaos and
moral decay that will plague the characters, particularly Macbeth.
ii. Act 1, Scene 1 of “Macbeth” is a powerful invocation of the supernatural,
with the three witches materializing in a setting that is both tempestuous
and eerie. Their opening lines, “When the battle’s lost and won” (Act 1,
Scene 1), introduce a world of contradictions and the unsettling notion that
victory is intertwined with defeat. The witches’ promise to meet Macbeth
after the battle further cements their role as agents of fate, suggesting their
influence over mortal affairs. Their paradoxical greeting, “ Fair is foul, and
foul is fair,” (Act 1, Scene 1) echoes throughout the play, encapsulating the
theme of deceptive appearances and the inversion of reality that is central to
the supernatural elements of the story.

iii)
a)What do the three witches in the opening scene of the play want to convey
with their declaration, Fair is foul and foul is fair? How do these words reflect
on the inversion of moral values? Write your answer in about 200-250
words.
Or
b. Comment on the significance of the opening scene of the play. Write your
answer in a paragraph of about 200-250 words.
Answer:-
a) The phrase “Fair is foul, and foul is fair,” spoken by the witches in the
opening scene of “Macbeth,” encapsulates the theme of the inversion of
moral values that is central to the play. This paradoxical statement suggests
that what appears to be good (“fair”) is actually bad (“foul”), and vice versa,
setting the stage for a world where moral absolutes are blurred. The witches,
as agents of chaos, embody this theme by their very nature, existing outside
the normal bounds of human morality.
Their declaration serves as a warning to the audience that they will be
entering a narrative where traditional moral judgments are not to be trusted.
The characters in the play, especially Macbeth, are often faced with
situations where the right course of action is obscured, leading to tragic
consequences. This line also foreshadows the deceitful actions of Macbeth
and Lady Macbeth, who present a fair facade while harboring foul intentions.
Ultimately, the witches’ words hint at the play’s exploration of the duality of
human nature and the conflict between appearance and reality.
b) The opening scene of “Macbeth” is significant for several reasons. It
introduces the supernatural and thematic elements that will pervade the
entire play. The eerie setting, the stormy weather, and the cryptic language
of the witches all contribute to an atmosphere of foreboding and set the tone
for the ensuing drama. This scene also establishes the idea that the natural
order of things has been disrupted, a concept that is revisited throughout the
play as Macbeth upends the social and moral order by his actions.
Moreover, the witches’ prophecy is a crucial plot device that sparks
Macbeth’s ambition and sets him on the path to his eventual downfall. The
scene’s emphasis on the supernatural also raises questions about fate and
free will, challenging the audience to consider the extent to which the
characters’ actions are predestined. In this way, the opening scene lays the
groundwork for the play’s central conflicts and themes, making it a pivotal
part of Shakespeare’s work.

ESSAY QUESTION
Q. “The first appearance of the witches strikes the keynote of the character
of the drama”
Ans. These lines occur in the first scene of the first act and strike the keynote
of the drama, “Macbeth”. The opening scene is highly impressive as it begins
on a note of confusion in nature amidst thunder and lightning. The witches
are personified forces of disorder and conflict. They meet in thunder and
lightning in a desolate heath and hover through the fog and filthy air. They
speak in enigmatic language. They declare their intention of meeting
Macbeth at the heath, when the battle is over.
The question may be asked - “Why Shakespeare opens the drama with the
witches”? The answer is simple. Here is a tragedy of the triumph of evil that
the audience is going to witness. By this opening scene Shakespeare puts
the audience at once in the right mood for accepting this unnatural world.
The witches diffuse around them the atmosphere of guilt and evil, which,
hangs as a pullover throughout the whole play. In their cryptic talks they
make us uneasy, and we feel from the very time we hear them first, that
they are delighting in evil for the sake of evil, and, as such, have to make
foul what is fair.
The witches appear In the midst of thunder and lightning in a desolate place
which is a place where evil has obtained the mastery of things. The storm
not only harmonizes with their grotesque guise and rites but, it is also a
symbol of the present convulsion in Duncan’s kingdom, and of the hurlyburly
of battle and murder.

SCENE 2
QUESTION 3
i. Why according to the bleeding soldier, did the matter not end with
Macbeth killing Macdonwald? How did both Macbeth and Banquo come
to the rescue once again? Write your answer in a short paragraph of
about 100-150 words.
ii. Give a brief account of what king Duncan tells Ross with regard to the
Thane of Cawdor before the close of the scene. What is the dramatic
irony involved in Duncan’s order? Write your answer In a short
paragraph of about 100-150 words.

Answer:-
i. According to the bleeding soldier, the battle did not end with Macbeth’s
slaying of Macdonwald because new enemies, the Norwegians, began a fresh
assault, making victory uncertain. The soldier describes Macbeth’s bravery in
vivid terms, saying he “unseamed him from the nave to th’ chops” (Act 1,
Scene 2), highlighting Macbeth’s fierce combat skills. Both Macbeth and
Banquo are praised for their heroism as they confront this new threat,
ensuring Scotland’s triumph.
ii. King Duncan, upon learning of the Thane of Cawdor’s betrayal, declares,
“What he hath lost noble Macbeth hath won” (Act 1, Scene 2), signifying that
Macbeth will be given the title of the Thane of Cawdor. The dramatic irony
here is that while Duncan believes he is rewarding a loyal soldier, the
audience knows that Macbeth will soon betray the king, spurred by the
witches’ prophecy. This contrast between Duncan’s perception and the
audience’s knowledge creates a tension that underscores the play’s themes
of appearance versus reality.

iii) a. How does the bleeding soldier describe the battle between Macdonwald
and Macbeth with regard to Macbeth’s bravery and boldness? Write in brief
the purpose served in narrating Macbeth’s valour by the soldier. Write your
answer in about 200-250 words.
Or
b. Give an account of Ross’s description about how the brave Macbeth fought
the king of Norway who was assisted by the Thane of Cawdor.. Write your
answer in about 200-250 words.

Answer:-
a. The bleeding soldier’s account of Macbeth’s encounter with Macdonwald
serves to highlight Macbeth’s exceptional bravery and martial prowess. He
vividly describes Macbeth’s actions, saying he “unseamed him from the nave
to th’ chops” (Act 1, Scene 2), a brutal depiction of Macbeth splitting
Macdonwald open from his navel to his jaw. This graphic image not only
emphasizes Macbeth’s strength and skill in combat but also portrays him as
a warrior without equal, one who is unafraid to face death and destruction
head-on.
The soldier’s narration of Macbeth’s valor serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it
establishes Macbeth as a heroic figure, deserving of the audience’s
admiration and the king’s favor. His boldness in battle is contrasted with the
treachery of the Thane of Cawdor, setting Macbeth up as a paragon of loyalty
and honor. Secondly, this portrayal of Macbeth as a fearless fighter
foreshadows his later actions in the play. It hints at the potential for violence
and ambition within him, qualities that will eventually lead to his tragic
downfall. Thus, the soldier’s description is not just a report of the battle; it is
a crucial piece of character development that lays the foundation for
Macbeth’s complex journey throughout the play.
b. Ross’s account of Macbeth’s confrontation with the Norwegian king, aided
by the Thane of Cawdor, further cements Macbeth’s reputation as a
formidable warrior. He describes how Macbeth, along with Banquo, fought
valiantly against the invading forces, displaying not just courage but also a
strategic mind. Ross recounts that Macbeth was instrumental in repelling the
Norwegians, who were led by a king determined to conquer Scotland.
Despite the odds, Macbeth’s efforts were pivotal in turning the tide of the
battle.
This narrative serves to elevate Macbeth’s status in the eyes of the king and
the court. It reinforces the image of Macbeth as a loyal subject and a national
hero. The account also introduces a sense of irony, as the king rewards
Macbeth with the title of the traitorous Thane of Cawdor, unaware of the
prophecy the witches have laid out for Macbeth. This dramatic irony is not
lost on the audience, who are privy to the witches’ foresight and Macbeth’s
ambitious nature. Ross’s description, therefore, not only glorifies Macbeth’s
bravery but also sets the stage for the unfolding tragedy, highlighting the
themes of loyalty, ambition, and the corrupting power of unchecked desire.

ESSAY QUESTION
Q.summarize the descriptions of the battle between Macbeth and I)
Macdonwald and ii) the Norwegian King as given by the seargent and by
Ross adding a comment of your own.
Answer:-
Here is a summary of the battle descriptions with quotes:
Battle with Macdonwald:

1. The sergeant paints Macbeth as a hero of unmatched bravery,

describing how he defeated the traitorous Macdonwald with
sheer force. He uses the vivid phrase, “unseamed him from the
nave to th’ chops,” to illustrate Macbeth’s ferocity in battle (Act
1, Scene 2)1. This brutal efficiency in combat cements Macbeth’s
reputation as a formidable warrior.

Battle against the Norwegian King:

2. Ross recounts Macbeth’s valor in the face of the Norwegian

King’s assault, supported by the treacherous Thane of
Cawdor. He highlights Macbeth’s role in securing victory for
 Scotland, which King Duncan acknowledges by saying, “What he
hath lost noble Macbeth hath won” (Act 1, Scene 2) 2, referring to
the title of Thane of Cawdor.

These accounts serve to establish Macbeth as a paragon of martial prowess

and loyalty, contrasting sharply with his later descent into ambition-fueled
tyranny. The vivid descriptions and the accolades he receives set the stage
for his tragic fall, making his transformation from hero to villain all the more
dramatic and poignant. The use of quotes from the play adds depth to the
narrative, illustrating the high esteem in which Macbeth is initially held and
the irony of his subsequent actions.

Act:1 scene3
QUESTION 3
1. What does Angus say when Macbeth questions him about why was he
addressing him with a title that belongs to another man? Write your answer
in short paragraph of about 100-150 words.
2.Referring closely to his bravery, how would you characterise
Macbeth at this point of the play? Write your answer in a short
paragraph of about 100-150 words.
Answer:-
1.When Macbeth questions Angus about the title of Thane of Cawdor, Angus
explains that the former Thane is set to be executed for treason. He tells
Macbeth that the title now rightfully belongs to him as a reward for his
bravery in battle. Angus’s words confirm the witches’ prophecy and set
Macbeth on a path of ambitious contemplation, as he begins to ponder the
possibility of becoming king.
2.At this point in the play, Macbeth is characterized as a brave and capable
warrior. His valor on the battlefield is unquestionable, and he is highly
respected by his peers and the king. The wounded sergeant’s report of
Macbeth’s actions against Macdonwald, where he is described as
“Bellona’s bridegroom” (Act 1, Scene 2), and Ross’s account of
Macbeth’s bravery against the Norwegian forces, paint a picture
of a man of action, honor, and prowess1. However, this bravery is soon
to be tested by his ambition and the moral dilemmas he faces as the play
progresses.
iii. A. What does Ross relay to Macbeth about king Duncan’s praise for
him? Write your answer I n about 200-250 words.
Or b. Comment on Macbeth’s soliloquy which highlights the various aspects
of his character. Do you think Macbeth is satisfied with this new title? Why do
you think so? Also, comment on the significance of dramatic irony in his
soliloquy. Write your answer in about 200-250 words.
Answer:-
A. Ross conveys to Macbeth the high regard in which King Duncan holds
him, following Macbeth’s valorous performance on the battlefield. He
informs Macbeth that the king is overflowing with gratitude and cannot
thank him enough for his heroic service. Duncan’s praise is a
testament to Macbeth’s loyalty and bravery, which have greatly
impressed the king and earned him the title of Thane of Cawdor.
Ross’s message confirms the witches’ prophecy, further stirring
Macbeth’s ambitions.
In his praise, Duncan says, “He was a gentleman on whom I built an absolute
trust” (Act 1, Scene 4)1, referring to the former Thane of Cawdor, whose
betrayal deeply disappointed the king. By contrast, Macbeth’s loyalty shines
even brighter, and Duncan’s decision to grant him the title is both a reward
and a sign of the king’s trust in Macbeth’s honor and valor.
The significance of Ross’s relay is multifaceted. It serves as a pivotal
moment where Macbeth’s inner desires are kindled, setting the stage for his
subsequent actions. It also introduces a dramatic irony, as the audience is
aware of the witches’ prophecy and Macbeth’s thoughts of ambition, which
are unknown to Duncan. This creates a tension between Duncan’s genuine
praise and the audience’s knowledge of the potential dark path Macbeth
might tread. Ross’s relay, therefore, is not just a transmission of praise but a
catalyst that propels Macbeth further along his tragic trajectory.
b. Macbeth’s soliloquy, particularly the one where he contemplates the
dagger before him, reveals the deep internal conflict and the psychological
turmoil he experiences. In this soliloquy, Macbeth questions the reality of the
dagger he sees before him, “Is this a dagger which I see before me, The
handle toward my hand?” (Act 2, Scene 1)1. This hallucination is a
manifestation of his guilt and ambition, symbolizing the bloody path he is
about to embark upon.
Macbeth is not satisfied with his new title of Thane of Cawdor. Despite the honor, he is
consumed by his ambition for more power, spurred on by the witches’ prophecy that he will be
king. His dissatisfaction is evident in his aside, “Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black
and deep desires” (Act 1, Scene 4)2, indicating his hidden longing for the throne.
The dramatic irony in Macbeth’s soliloquy is significant because it allows the audience to
perceive the contrast between Macbeth’s public demeanor and his private intentions. While he
appears loyal and honorable to King Duncan, his soliloquy reveals his dark, ambitious thoughts.
This irony heightens the tension and foreshadows the tragic events that will follow, as the
audience is aware of Macbeth’s contemplations of regicide, even as the other characters remain
oblivious to his inner conflict. The soliloquy is a powerful literary device that Shakespeare uses
to give the audience insight into Macbeth’s character and to build suspense throughout the play.

ESSAY QUESTION
Q.
Give an account of the dialogue between Macbeth and Banquo which
followed their meeting with the witches. Does this conversation throw any
light on the character of the speakers? Elucidate.
Ans.
A characteristic conversation is held between Macbeth and Banquo after
they have met the witches on the heath. The news, conveyed by Ross and
Angus, comes that the king being extremely pleased with the exploits of
Macbeth is decided to invest him with the title of ‘Thane of Cawdor’. The
Thane of Cawdor is alive but a death sentence has been pronounced on him
due to his treachery, deceit and disloyalty. This clearly shows that the
second prophecy of the witches has been fulfilled by which Macbeth attains a
false sense of security. Banquo is startled by the fulfillment of a part of the
prophecy of the witches and questions himself, “What the devils speak
true?”. Macbeth at some length enquires of Banquo if he too feels that his
sons will be kings. Banquo replies that if the promises are to be carried to
their logical conclusions, Macbeth is sure to be king of Scotland, but it is
strange that these agents of darkness excite them to wrong actions which
will be ultimately harmful to them. They seem to win them with little truths
but will ultimately betray them in matters of grave consequence. Banquo
refers to the witches as ‘Instruments of darkness’, but Macbeth is too rapt in
his ambitious thoughts to try to comprehend the gravity of what Banquo is
trying to convey to him. Macbeth keeps delving on what the witches have
told him and he urges Banquo to ponder over the prophecy of the witches
and till requests leave of Banquo.

The conversation between Macbeth and Banquo shows the difference in their
reaction towards the prophecy of the witches. Macbeth stands ‘rapt’ while
Banquo considers them to be evil and ‘Instruments of darkness’ and warns
Macbeth against them. Banquo appears to be more rational and practical
and regard the witches to be insubstantial ‘bubbles’ of the earth. His attitude
is one of skepticism and even the partial fulfillment of the prophecy of the
witches regarding Macbeth does not shake his skepticism. Both Macbeth and
Banquo stand like two Opposite poles.
Act1 scene 4
QUESTION 3
i. How does Macbeth’s proposed treachery surpass that of the Thane of
Cawdor’s especially after all that Ross and Angus have related to him
about Duncan’s generous praise of him? Write your answer in a short
paragraph of about 100-150 words.
ii. According to you what kind of a king is Duncan? Has Duncan learnt not
to trust blindly after the Thane of Cawdor’s treachery at this point of
the play? Write your opinion in a short paragraph of about 100-150
words..

Answers:-
i. Macbeth’s contemplated treachery is far more heinous than that of the
Thane of Cawdor because it involves the murder of a king who has shown
him nothing but trust and honor. The Thane of Cawdor’s betrayal, though
serious, was political and military in nature. In contrast, Macbeth considers
regicide, spurred by personal ambition, after receiving Duncan’s lavish praise
and the title of Thane of Cawdor. This act of treachery is not only
against the king but also a violation of the hospitality and loyalty
owed to Duncan, who has been nothing but generous to
Macbeth12.
ii. King Duncan is depicted as a benevolent and trusting ruler,
often described with divine imagery, reinforcing his role as a just
and virtuous king345. Despite the betrayal by the original Thane of
Cawdor, Duncan’s nature seems unchanged; he continues to place his trust
in his subjects, including Macbeth. His comment, “There’s no art to find
the mind’s construction in the face,” suggests that while he
acknowledges the difficulty in discerning true intentions, he may
not have fully learned the lesson to be more wary of whom to
trust6. This trait makes him a good king but also leaves him vulnerable to
Macbeth’s dark ambitions.

iii. A. Why had king Duncan given orders for the Thane of Cawdor to be
executed? Give a vivid description of how Malcolm relates the
execution of the Thane of Cawdor’s execution to his father. Why is
Macbeth perplexed when Ross addresses him as the Thane of Cawdor?
Write your answer in about 200-250 words.
Or
b. The soliloquy of Macbeth reveals to us that he is already planning the
murder of his king Duncan. Write your answer in about 200-250 words.
Answer:-

a. King Duncan ordered the execution of the Thane of Cawdor due to his
treasonous actions against Scotland. Malcolm describes the Thane’s end as
dignified, noting that he faced his death with a sense of peace and
acceptance that was absent in his life. He confessed his crimes, sought
the king’s forgiveness, and embraced his fate, leading Malcolm to
remark, “Nothing in his life / Became him like the leaving it” (Act
1, Scene 4)1. This statement reflects a profound transformation in the
Thane at the moment of his death, suggesting that his final act was his most
honorable.
Macbeth is perplexed when Ross addresses him as the Thane of Cawdor
because, at that moment, he is unaware that the king has bestowed upon
him the title previously held by the traitorous Thane. The title comes as a
shock because Macbeth only knows of the Thane of Cawdor as a living man
who has just been condemned for disloyalty. The sudden bestowal of the
title, which aligns with the witches’ prophecy, deeply unsettles
Macbeth and sets him on a contemplative path about the nature
of fate and his own ambitions23.
b. Macbeth’s soliloquy in Act 1, Scene 7, is a window into his tormented soul
as he grapples with the notion of murdering King Duncan. He
contemplates the consequences of the act, recognizing that
regicide could set off a chain of events that might return to haunt
him, “Bloody instructions, which, being taught, return / To plague
th’ inventor” (Act 1, Scene 7)4. Macbeth acknowledges the king’s virtues
and the loyalty he owes him, both as a kinsman and as his subject, which
makes the thought of murder even more abhorrent.
Yet, despite these reservations, Macbeth’s ambition gnaws at him, revealing
the conflict between his moral compass and the desire for power. He admits
that his only motivation to kill Duncan is his “vaulting ambition,” a trait he
fears may lead to his downfall. This soliloquy is crucial as it lays bare
Macbeth’s internal struggle and foreshadows the tragic choices he
will make, driven by the prophecies and his unchecked ambition 45.
The dramatic irony is palpable, as the audience is privy to Macbeth’s darkest
thoughts while other characters remain oblivious to his inner turmoil.