ISC Class 11 English II – Detailed Notes and
Important Questions
1. MACBETH – Act 1, Scenes 1–4
Scene 1:
• Opens with thunder and lightning; introduces the witches.
• Sets an eerie and mysterious tone.
• Witches plan to meet Macbeth after the battle.
• Quote: “Fair is foul, and foul is fair.” → Suggests confusion and moral disorder.
Scene 2:
• Duncan hears about Macbeth’s bravery in battle.
• Macbeth is rewarded as Thane of Cawdor.
• Theme of loyalty and honour is introduced.
Scene 3:
• Macbeth and Banquo meet the witches.
• Prophecies: Macbeth will be Thane of Cawdor and King; Banquo’s descendants will be kings.
• Macbeth’s ambition awakens; Banquo stays cautious.
• Quote: “So foul and fair a day I have not seen.”
Scene 4:
• Duncan names Malcolm Prince of Cumberland (heir to throne).
• Macbeth sees Malcolm as an obstacle and begins to plan murder.
• Quote: “Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep desires.”
Key Themes: Ambition, Fate vs Free Will, Appearance vs Reality, Loyalty and Betrayal.
Characters: Macbeth – ambitious yet hesitant; Banquo – loyal and wise; Duncan – kind and
trusting.
Important Questions:
1. How does Shakespeare create an atmosphere of mystery in Act 1 Scene 1?
2. What role do the witches play in influencing Macbeth?
3. Describe Macbeth’s character in Act 1.
4. What is the significance of Duncan’s decision to name Malcolm his heir?
5. Explain “Fair is foul, and foul is fair.”
2. LIVING GOD – by Rabindranath Tagore
Summary:
• Tagore explains that true worship of God lies not in rituals, but in serving mankind.
• God lives among the poor and the suffering – He is the ‘living God’.
• Criticises people who seek God only in temples and ignore humanity.
• Tagore’s tone is spiritual, simple, and compassionate.
Themes: True devotion, humanity, love, service, and faith.
Important Lines:
• “He whom you worship in temples is here before you in the workman’s sweat.”
Important Questions:
Important Questions
1. MACBETH – Act 1, Scenes 1–4
Scene 1:
• Opens with thunder and lightning; introduces the witches.
• Sets an eerie and mysterious tone.
• Witches plan to meet Macbeth after the battle.
• Quote: “Fair is foul, and foul is fair.” → Suggests confusion and moral disorder.
Scene 2:
• Duncan hears about Macbeth’s bravery in battle.
• Macbeth is rewarded as Thane of Cawdor.
• Theme of loyalty and honour is introduced.
Scene 3:
• Macbeth and Banquo meet the witches.
• Prophecies: Macbeth will be Thane of Cawdor and King; Banquo’s descendants will be kings.
• Macbeth’s ambition awakens; Banquo stays cautious.
• Quote: “So foul and fair a day I have not seen.”
Scene 4:
• Duncan names Malcolm Prince of Cumberland (heir to throne).
• Macbeth sees Malcolm as an obstacle and begins to plan murder.
• Quote: “Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep desires.”
Key Themes: Ambition, Fate vs Free Will, Appearance vs Reality, Loyalty and Betrayal.
Characters: Macbeth – ambitious yet hesitant; Banquo – loyal and wise; Duncan – kind and
trusting.
Important Questions:
1. How does Shakespeare create an atmosphere of mystery in Act 1 Scene 1?
2. What role do the witches play in influencing Macbeth?
3. Describe Macbeth’s character in Act 1.
4. What is the significance of Duncan’s decision to name Malcolm his heir?
5. Explain “Fair is foul, and foul is fair.”
2. LIVING GOD – by Rabindranath Tagore
Summary:
• Tagore explains that true worship of God lies not in rituals, but in serving mankind.
• God lives among the poor and the suffering – He is the ‘living God’.
• Criticises people who seek God only in temples and ignore humanity.
• Tagore’s tone is spiritual, simple, and compassionate.
Themes: True devotion, humanity, love, service, and faith.
Important Lines:
• “He whom you worship in temples is here before you in the workman’s sweat.”
Important Questions:
