XI ISC English II - Detailed Notes & Important Questions with
Model Answers
1. Macbeth Act 1, Scenes 1–4 (By William Shakespeare)
Key Themes and Concepts
• The Supernatural and Prophecy: The Weïrd Sisters (witches) establish an atmosphere of
evil, confusion, and moral ambiguity. Their first line, 'Fair is foul, and foul is fair,'
encapsulates the play's theme of moral confusion and inversion.
• Ambition and Temptation: The witches' prophecies (Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor,
King) are the catalyst for Macbeth’s 'vaulting ambition.'
• Appearance vs. Reality: King Duncan's inability to detect treason is a tragic flaw. He
trusts the original Thane of Cawdor and later Macbeth.
• Masculinity and Cruelty: Lady Macbeth fears her husband is 'too full o' th' milk of human
kindness.' Her plea to be 'unsexed' shows her belief that cruelty and ruthlessness are male
qualities.
Important Questions & Model Answers
• Role of the Witches: Agents of chaos; plant ambition; symbolize evil/fate.
• Macbeth's Internal Conflict: Shocked by prophecy; struggles between loyalty and
ambition.
• The Impediment (Malcolm’s Title): Sees Malcolm as obstacle; soliloquy shows ambition
vs conscience.
• Lady Macbeth’s Persuasion: Manipulates Macbeth; 'unsex me here'; ambition and
dominance.
, 2. A Living God (By Lafcadio Hearn)
Key Themes and Concepts
• Sacrifice & Selflessness: Hamaguchi burns his rice harvest to save the villagers.
• Wisdom & Foresight: Recognizes receding tide as tsunami warning.
• Heroism & Devotion: Acts immediately out of compassion.
• Respect & Reverence: Villagers name him 'A Living God.'
Important Questions & Model Answers
• Justify the Title: Villagers revere Hamaguchi for sacrifice; symbolizes divine compassion.
• Drastic Action: Burning rice saves lives; shows wisdom and courage.
• Contrast in Reactions: Anger → terror → gratitude; human misunderstanding.
• Setting: Plateau = safety and foresight; symbol of wisdom.
Model Answers
1. Macbeth Act 1, Scenes 1–4 (By William Shakespeare)
Key Themes and Concepts
• The Supernatural and Prophecy: The Weïrd Sisters (witches) establish an atmosphere of
evil, confusion, and moral ambiguity. Their first line, 'Fair is foul, and foul is fair,'
encapsulates the play's theme of moral confusion and inversion.
• Ambition and Temptation: The witches' prophecies (Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor,
King) are the catalyst for Macbeth’s 'vaulting ambition.'
• Appearance vs. Reality: King Duncan's inability to detect treason is a tragic flaw. He
trusts the original Thane of Cawdor and later Macbeth.
• Masculinity and Cruelty: Lady Macbeth fears her husband is 'too full o' th' milk of human
kindness.' Her plea to be 'unsexed' shows her belief that cruelty and ruthlessness are male
qualities.
Important Questions & Model Answers
• Role of the Witches: Agents of chaos; plant ambition; symbolize evil/fate.
• Macbeth's Internal Conflict: Shocked by prophecy; struggles between loyalty and
ambition.
• The Impediment (Malcolm’s Title): Sees Malcolm as obstacle; soliloquy shows ambition
vs conscience.
• Lady Macbeth’s Persuasion: Manipulates Macbeth; 'unsex me here'; ambition and
dominance.
, 2. A Living God (By Lafcadio Hearn)
Key Themes and Concepts
• Sacrifice & Selflessness: Hamaguchi burns his rice harvest to save the villagers.
• Wisdom & Foresight: Recognizes receding tide as tsunami warning.
• Heroism & Devotion: Acts immediately out of compassion.
• Respect & Reverence: Villagers name him 'A Living God.'
Important Questions & Model Answers
• Justify the Title: Villagers revere Hamaguchi for sacrifice; symbolizes divine compassion.
• Drastic Action: Burning rice saves lives; shows wisdom and courage.
• Contrast in Reactions: Anger → terror → gratitude; human misunderstanding.
• Setting: Plateau = safety and foresight; symbol of wisdom.
