"MACBETH " WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE , MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

 

 "MACBETH "
                  BY  WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

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1. Why did Macbeth want to murder Banquo and his son ? How was Banquo murdered ?  2+3

Answer : The witches predicted that Banquo would beget a line of Scotish king , although Banquo would never be king himself . Fearful of the witches' prophecy Macbeth wanted to murder Banquo and his sons and hired killers for the purpose .

# Macbeth could not reign in peace .Macbeth and his wife arranged a banquet . All the chief thanes  alongwith  Banquo and Fleance were invited . At the same time Macbeth  had appointed some hired  assassins to kill Banquo and his son their way . They pounced on them and Banquo was killed but his son Fleance escaped.

2. Bring out the significance of the opening scence  of 'Macbeth' .      6

Answer : The opening scene of a the play  is very important to set up a mood and atmosphere . Three witches appear in a hostile weather They sing-

  "Fair is foul , and foul is fair 

Hover through the fog and filthy air "

It clearly states that they are invoking 'foul' to reign .

They greet Macbeth in ridding terms . Then , riddles create a world of darkness and foulness . They incite Macbeth with their prophecies . At once Macbeth is engrossed with them . As if he is possessed by  a spirit now . He then just carries out the witches doing harms to others .In this way , the scene determines the course of action in the play.

3. How did the three witches look like ? What role do they play in the play ?       2+3=5

Answer: The three witches had  ' strange appearance ' . Though they looked like women , they had beard , and pale skin. They put on wild dresses . They seemed to be creatures not from our earth .

# The witches crate an atmosphere of complete moral disorder .At the very outset of the play they clearly reveal  their intention - ' Fair is foul and foul is fair' . While returning from the great battle they hailed Macbeth and Banquo , and made a number of predictions in equivocal  terms . So , from the very beginning fairness and foulness are mingled and overlapped . Macbeth and his wife are excessively incited by these supernatural agents of evil and were stirred to murder one after another . Being influenced by the prophecies of these ' ministers of darkness ' . Macbeth killed Duncan , Banquo Macduff's wife and children . Though they only foretell , never suggest to murder .They tempt with great subtlety .The theme of equivocation operates most obviously trough the witches .

4. Why did Lady Macbeth plot to kill the king ? What did Macbeth say to oppose her ?   2+3=5

Answer : Lady Macbeth came to know about the prediction of the witches . She was also encouraged to learn that the prophecies had been partially fulfilled already . Lady Macbeth  was an extremely ambitious woman . She argued with her husband that the only way to ascend on the throne for Macbeth was to  killed the king . So , this deed of one night would ensure their years of future . 

# Macbeth was not initially convinced by the arguments of his wife . He argued that as a host and close relative it was his duty  to  guard the king from the  enemies and killers and not to kill him . He also added that all the honours and positions , that he enjoyed in the country were for the kindness and favour of this good king . so he should not kill him . Finally , he argued that if he killed the king  , his subjects would strive to take revenge of his death  as a good and benevolent king Duncan  was loved by all . If the king was killed his subjects would strive to take revenge of his death .

5. Give a brief account of the ' Banquet Scene' in 'Macbeth'     5          

Answer: The ' Banquet Scene ' in 'Macbeth ' shows Macbeth's desperate attempt to present himself  friendly and social among the noblemen . Little before he had killed Banquo but his son Fleance escaped . Macbeth and his wife welcomed everyone with due courtesy . Macbeth Lamented for his dear friend Banquo who was also invited . At once he noticed the ghost of Banquo occupying the seat reserved for him . Macbeth became pale in fear  and began to behave strangely . Lady Macbeth  , fearing of the  secret to be disclosed , brought the feast to a quick end .

  Through Banquo's ghost , a supernatural element is introduced in the scene that  helps to spread an atmosphere of terror . Here Banquo's ghost is the product of Macbeth 's increasing sense of guilt and fear of being  caught . Macbeth wanted to hide his guilt  before everyone but it became more public.