GCSE English Literature (Macbeth)
Exam Questions & Answers
How does Shakespeare use dramatic irony in Act 1 Scene 6? - ANSWERS -Duncan describes
Macbeth's castle as 'pleasant' & 'sweetly recommends itself.' This makes Duncan appear naïve
as he's completely unaware of his fate.
"You will be so much more the man". What is the double meaning? - ANSWERS -Macbeth will
appear more brazen to his wife but he'll also be a king.
How does Shakespeare use imagery at the end of Act 1? - ANSWERS -Lady Macbeth uses
language connected with alchemy. This becomes apparent when she says a 'limbeck', 'receipt'
and 'fume'. Alchemists were never successful in turning cheap metal into real gold. This
suggests that Macbeth will never become a successful king.
- ANSWERS -
The play starts with thunder and lightning. What kind of mood does this set? - ANSWERS -A dark
& violent mood. The wild weather hints that unnatural events are occurring.
The three witches are the first characters on stage. What is the purpose of this? - ANSWERS -
This shows how important the theme of supernatural is to the play.
What is so unique about the witches' speech? - ANSWERS -They only speak in rhyming couplets.
Only supernatural characters in the play consistently use rhyme- it sets them apart from other
characters. It makes their speech sound unnatural, as if they're casting a spell.
Exam Questions & Answers
How does Shakespeare use dramatic irony in Act 1 Scene 6? - ANSWERS -Duncan describes
Macbeth's castle as 'pleasant' & 'sweetly recommends itself.' This makes Duncan appear naïve
as he's completely unaware of his fate.
"You will be so much more the man". What is the double meaning? - ANSWERS -Macbeth will
appear more brazen to his wife but he'll also be a king.
How does Shakespeare use imagery at the end of Act 1? - ANSWERS -Lady Macbeth uses
language connected with alchemy. This becomes apparent when she says a 'limbeck', 'receipt'
and 'fume'. Alchemists were never successful in turning cheap metal into real gold. This
suggests that Macbeth will never become a successful king.
- ANSWERS -
The play starts with thunder and lightning. What kind of mood does this set? - ANSWERS -A dark
& violent mood. The wild weather hints that unnatural events are occurring.
The three witches are the first characters on stage. What is the purpose of this? - ANSWERS -
This shows how important the theme of supernatural is to the play.
What is so unique about the witches' speech? - ANSWERS -They only speak in rhyming couplets.
Only supernatural characters in the play consistently use rhyme- it sets them apart from other
characters. It makes their speech sound unnatural, as if they're casting a spell.
