Question 1 (i) Referring closely to Act III of the play, how is Macbeth Cawdor, Glamis, and King? Answer: At the beginning of the play, Macbeth is introduced as the Thane of Glamis. After his brave victory in battle, King Duncan rewards him with the title of Thane of Cawdor. The witches then prophesy that he will also become King. By Act Ill, Macbeth has achieved all these titles. He is Glamis by birth, Cawdor through Duncan’s gift, and King after murdering Duncan. These titles symbolize Macbeth's rising ambition and the means by which he seizes power, often through treachery and murder. (ii) Give reasons to justify the motive of Macbeth for eliminating Banquo. Why is Fleance also to be eliminated?Answer: Macbeth fears Banquo because the witches’ prophecy revealed that Banquo’s descendants would inherit the Scottish throne, not Macbeth's. Although Macbeth has achieved kingship, he feels insecure as his power lacks stability. Banquo’s wisdom, courage, and noble character make him a threat to Macbeth’s reign. Fleance, Banquo’s son, is targeted because he is the heir prophesied to become king. Macbeth believes eliminating both Banquo and Fleance will secure his throne and prevent the witches’ prophecy from coming true. (iii) (a) Referring closely to Act Ill of the play, describe how were the time, place and other circumstances favourable for the murder. Answer: In Act III, Macbeth arranges for Banquoand Fleance to be murdered in the evening, when darkness would conceal the crime. He hires two murderers and instructs them to ambush Banquo and his son on their way to a royal banquet. The place chosen is a lonely road away from the palace, making it easier to commit the crime unnoticed. The circumstances favour Macbeth as Banquo, suspecting no danger, would be unprepared for an attack. Additionally, Macbeth ensures he is at the banquet to avoid suspicion. (b) Explain the significance of the Banquet scene in the play. Answer: The Banquet scene (Act III, Scene IV) is crucial in Macbeth as it marks the turning point of Macbeth’'s mental state and his reign. During the feast, Macbeth sees Banquo’s ghost sitting in his place. The ghost’s appearance reveals Macbeth’s guiltand descent into paranoia. His strange behaviour alarms the guests and Lady Macbeth struggles to control the situation. The scene highlights Macbeth’s increasing isolation and the breakdown of order in Scotland. It also foreshadows his further descent into tyranny and violence. Question 2 (i) Referring closely to Act III of the play, state the effect of the witches’ prophecy on Banquo. How is the effect different from that on Macbeth? Answer: The witches’ prophecy affects Banquo differently than Macbeth. Banquo is curious but cautious, aware that evil forces often tempt with half-truths. He does not act upon the prophecy and remains loyal to King Duncan. In contrast, Macbeth is consumed by ambition and takes drastic, immoral actions to fulfill the prophecy,including murdering Duncan. While Banquo represents moral restraint, Macbeth exemplifies unchecked ambition and moral corruption. (ii) Referring closely to Act III of the play, state how the witches place a fruitless crown on Macbeth’'s head and put a barren sceptre in his grip. Answer: In Act Ill, Macbeth realizes that although he has become king (a “fruitless crown’), he will have no heirs to continue his lineage. The witches’ prophecy declared that Banquo’s descendants, not Macbeth’s, would inherit the throne. This makes Macbeth’s reign insecure and meaningless (“barren sceptre”), as he has committed grave crimes only for Banquo’s line to benefit. This imagery emphasizes Macbeth’s deepening frustration and prompts further violent actions to changehis fate. (iii) (a) With reference to the character of Macbeth, explain the statement that ‘those who do evil, perish by evil. Answer: This statement perfectly fits Macbeth’s character arc. Initially a valiant hero, Macbeth succumbs to unchecked ambition and commits regicide. Each evil deed leads to more crimes to cover up the previous ones. His life becomes filled with paranoia, guilt, and unrest. Eventually, Macbeth’s tyranny turns friends into enemies and subjects into rebels. His violent end at the hands of Macduff is a direct result of his own evil deeds. Thus, Macbeth perishes by the same violence he unleashed on others. (b) Give a character sketch of Banquo, paying particular attention to his encounter with the witches.Answer: Banquo is portrayed as brave, loyal, wise, and morally upright. Unlike Macbeth, he is cautious and skeptical about the witches’ intentions. When the witches prophesy his descendants will be kings, he neither acts on this nor lets ambition cloud his judgment. Banquo remains loyal to Duncan and harbours no treacherous thoughts. He is a loving father to Fleance and values honour over power. His nobility and integrity contrast sharply with Macbeth’s moral downfall, making him a symbol of virtue in the play.