March 28th 2023

Macbeth Questions Answers Class XI WBCHSE English

By Tanmoy Kumar Bhattacharjya

In this article you will get MCQ & Long Questions from the story Macbeth. Here you will get lots of MCQ from the story Macbeth from Rapid Reader book class XI WBCHSE English. The important long questions from the story Macbeth have also been given in this article. These questions answers from the Rapid Reader story Macbeth will help you score good marks in Class XI exam.

Macbeth Class XI WBCHSE English Rapid Reader Questions Answers

Get important question answers from the story Macbeth from Class Xi English Rapid Reader book WBCHSE.

MCQ questions and answers from the Story "Macbeth" for Class XI WBCHSE English Rapid Reader Book:

1. Who first informs Macbeth about his new title, "Thane of Cawdor"?

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A) The witches

B) Duncan

C) Ross

D) Banquo

Answer: C) Ross

2. How many prophecies do the witches make for Macbeth?

A) One

B) Two

C) Three

D) Four

Answer: C) Three

3. Who does Lady Macbeth call upon to "unsex" her and make her more ruthless?

A) The devil

B) The witches

C) The spirits

D) Macbeth

Answer: C) The spirits

4. Who discovers Duncan's body?

A) Macbeth

B) Lady Macbeth

C) Banquo

D) Macduff

Answer: D) Macduff

5. Who becomes king after Duncan's death?

A) Macbeth

B) Banquo

C) Macduff

D) Malcolm

Answer: A) Macbeth

6. What motivates Macbeth to kill King Duncan?

A) His wife convinces him to do it

B) He wants to become King himself

C) He is possessed by a demonic spirit

D) He is being blackmailed by the witches

Answer: B) He wants to become king himself

7. Who is responsible for the death of Banquo?

A) Macbeth

B) Lady Macbeth

C) The witches

D) Fleance

Answer: A) Macbeth

8. What does Lady Macbeth do to try and wash away her guilt?

A) She goes to confession

B) She drinks heavily

C) She tries to scrub her hands clean

D) She runs away from Scotland

Answer: C) She tries to scrub her hands clean

Long Questions Answers From Macbeth by William Shakespeare

1. Describe the feeling and thought of Macbeth before murdering Duncan.

Macbeth's thoughts and feelings before murdering King Duncan are complex and multifaceted. Here are some of the thoughts and feelings he had:

Ambition: Macbeth is driven by his ambition to become king. He has been prophesized that he will become king, but he knows that Duncan is currently the king. This ambition is what leads him to contemplate and eventually carry out the murder of Duncan.

Guilt: Despite his ambition, Macbeth is not without conscience. He feels guilty about his plan to murder Duncan, and he is tormented by the thought of committing such a heinous act. He realizes that killing Duncan is not only a betrayal of his king but also a violation of his own moral code.

Fear: Macbeth is also afraid of the consequences of his actions. He knows that murdering Duncan could lead to his own downfall, and he is afraid of the repercussions of his actions. He is also worried about being caught and punished for his crime.

Doubt: Macbeth is plagued by doubt about his decision to kill Duncan. He questions whether he is doing the right thing and whether he should go through with the murder. He is also uncertain about whether he will be able to live with the guilt of his actions.

Ambivalence: Lastly, Macbeth is torn between his loyalty to Duncan and his desire for power. He recognizes that he owes Duncan his loyalty and obedience as his king, but he is also tempted by the prospect of becoming king himself. This ambivalence contributes to his inner turmoil and makes his decision to kill Duncan all the more difficult.

2 What is the significance of the three witches in the play?

The three witches in Shakespeare's play Macbeth play a significant role in the story as they serve as catalysts for the tragic events that unfold. They represent the supernatural world and provide the initial prophecies that set Macbeth on his path to becoming king. The witches' ambiguous and mysterious nature adds to the overall ominous tone of the play.

The witches' role in the play is also symbolic, representing the concept of fate and the idea that one's destiny may be predetermined. Macbeth's initial encounter with the witches sets in motion a series of events that ultimately lead to his downfall. The witches' predictions and their subsequent disappearance leave Macbeth questioning his own fate and the nature of the universe.

Overall, the three witches in Macbeth serve as a significant plot device, adding depth and complexity to the story while also highlighting the themes of fate, ambition, and the consequences of unchecked power.

3. Describe the character of Lady Macbeth.

Or,

Comment on the character of Lady Macbeth.

Lady Macbeth is one of the most complex and fascinating characters in Shakespeare's tragedy, Macbeth. She is depicted as a strong, intelligent, and ambitious woman who is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve her goals. However, as the play progresses, it becomes clear that Lady Macbeth's character is not as straightforward as it initially appears.

At the beginning of the play, Lady Macbeth is portrayed as a powerful and manipulative figure who is determined to help her husband become king. She is presented as the driving force behind Macbeth's rise to power and encourages him to commit murder in order to achieve their ambitions. However, as the play progresses, Lady Macbeth begins to unravel under the weight of her guilt and becomes increasingly unstable. She is haunted by the horrors of the murders they have committed, and her mental state deteriorates rapidly.

Lady Macbeth's character is a complex mixture of ambition, manipulation, and guilt. She is a woman who is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve her goals, but ultimately pays a heavy price for her actions. Her character is a tragic one, as she is consumed by her own ambition and ultimately destroyed by it. Despite her flaws, Lady Macbeth is a compelling character who continues to fascinate audiences centuries after the play was written.

4. Describe the first meeting of Macbeth with the three witches.

The first meeting of Macbeth with the witches is very significant in William Shakespeare's play "Macbeth" as it sets the background of the play. As Macbeth and his friend Banquo are returning from a battle, they encounter three witches on a heath. The witches make three prophecies: they hail Macbeth as Thane of Glamis (his current title), Thane of Cawdor, and future king. They also predict that Banquo's descendants will be kings.

Initially skeptical, Macbeth becomes increasingly intrigued by the witches' words as they begin to come true. The prophecy that he will become king ignites his ambition and sets him on a bloody path to achieve his goal. The meeting with the witches acts as a catalyst for Macbeth's transformation from a loyal and valiant warrior to a ruthless and paranoid king.

The scene is notable for its supernatural and eerie atmosphere, with the witches speaking in rhyming couplets and invoking dark imagery. It sets the tone for the rest of the play, which explores themes of ambition, fate, and the corrupting influence of power.

5. Describe the banquet scene in Macbeth .

The banquet scene in Shakespeare's play Macbeth takes place in the Great Hall of the Scottish king's castle. It is a grand celebration in honor of Macbeth's coronation as the new king of Scotland. As the guests arrive, they are greeted by Macbeth and his wife, Lady Macbeth, who plays the role of the gracious hostess.

The feast begins, but it is interrupted by a series of unsettling events. First, Macbeth sees the ghost of his former friend and trusted advisor, Banquo, sitting in his place at the table. Macbeth reacts with terror and confusion, which causes his guests to question his sanity. Lady Macbeth tries to calm her husband and cover up his behavior, but the situation only becomes more chaotic as Macbeth continues to see the ghost.

The tension in the room builds as the guests start to suspect that something is wrong. Lady Macbeth then steps in and urges the guests to continue with the feast, trying to distract them from Macbeth's strange behavior. Eventually, the ghost disappears, and the banquet resumes, but the damage has already been done. The scene ends with Macbeth and Lady Macbeth's relationship becoming increasingly strained, as their ambition and guilt continue to consume them.

6. How did Macbeth murder Banquo?

Macbeth, consumed by his own ambition and insecurity, plots the murder of his former friend Banquo. He hires a group of murderers to carry out the deed, convinced that Banquo's descendants pose a threat to his reign as king.

One evening, as Banquo and his son Fleance ride through a forest, the hired murderers ambush them. Banquo puts up a valiant fight, but is ultimately overpowered and killed. However, his son Fleance manages to escape into the darkness.

Macbeth is relieved that Banquo is no longer a threat, but his conscience is plagued with guilt over the treacherous act he has committed. He begins to see Banquo's ghost, haunting him and reminding him of his crime.

The murder of Banquo marks a turning point in Macbeth's descent into madness and tyranny. It serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of unchecked ambition and the corrupting influence of power.

7. Describe the secret on the moving of birnamwood forest?

The "moving of Birnam Wood" refers to an important event in William Shakespeare's play, Macbeth. In the play, Macbeth receives a prophecy that he cannot be defeated until Birnam Wood moves to Dunsinane, where his castle is located. However, the secret behind the moving of Birnam Wood is not magic, but rather a clever military tactic employed by Macduff and his army.

Macduff and his army cut down branches from the trees in Birnam Wood and carry them with them as they march towards Dunsinane. When they arrive at the castle, they hold the branches aloft, creating the illusion that the trees of Birnam Wood are actually moving towards the castle.

This tactic catches Macbeth off guard, as he believed the prophecy was impossible to fulfill. The moving of Birnam Wood becomes a symbol of Macbeth's downfall, as his overconfidence and belief in supernatural prophecies lead to his defeat.

In conclusion, the secret behind the moving of Birnam Wood is not magic, but rather a shrewd military strategy employed by Macduff and his army. This event serves as a powerful symbol in Macbeth, highlighting the dangers of hubris and the importance of strategic thinking in warfare.

8. Character of Macbeth.

Or, Comment on the Character of Macbeth.

Macbeth is one of the most complex and intriguing characters in English literature. He is the protagonist of William Shakespeare's tragedy of the same name, and his character undergoes a significant transformation over the course of the play. Here are five key points about Macbeth's character:

Ambition: Macbeth is a highly ambitious man who desires power and glory. His ambition is initially triggered by the witches' prophecy that he will become the king of Scotland. He becomes so consumed by his desire for power that he is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve it.

Guilt: Macbeth's guilt is a prominent aspect of his character. He is haunted by his conscience after committing the murder of King Duncan, and this guilt only intensifies as the play progresses. He becomes increasingly paranoid and is tormented by hallucinations and nightmares.

Tragic flaw: Macbeth's tragic flaw is his ambition. His desire for power and his willingness to act on it ultimately lead to his downfall. His inability to control his ambition is what ultimately leads to his demise.

Change: Macbeth's character undergoes a significant transformation throughout the play. He starts out as a noble and respected general but descends into a tyrant and a murderer. His transformation is driven by his ambition and his desire for power.

Sympathy: Despite his actions, Macbeth remains a sympathetic character. His guilt and his eventual downfall evoke feelings of pity and sorrow in the audience. He is a tragic hero whose downfall is caused by his own flaws and mistakes.

In conclusion, Macbeth is a complex and multifaceted character who embodies the tragic hero archetype. His ambition, guilt, tragic flaw, transformation, and sympathetic nature make him one of the most compelling characters in English literature.

9. Bring out the significance of the opening scene of Macbeth.

The opening scene of William Shakespeare's "Macbeth" is significant in setting the tone for the entire play. The scene features three witches discussing their next meeting with Macbeth, a prominent Scottish general, and the prophetic words they plan to deliver to him. Their presence and words immediately establish the play's supernatural and dark themes, foreshadowing the chaos and destruction that will follow.

Furthermore, the witches' words about Macbeth's fate highlight the play's overarching theme of fate versus free will. By introducing the idea of predestination, the play raises questions about whether Macbeth's actions are predetermined or whether he has agency in his own destiny.

Overall, the opening scene of "Macbeth" sets the stage for the play's themes and motifs, leaving a lasting impression on the audience and preparing them for the tragic events to come.

10. How was Lady Macbeth responsible for husband's ruin? How did she die?

Lady Macbeth played a significant role in her husband's ruin in Shakespeare's play Macbeth. She was ambitious, manipulative, and relentless in her pursuit of power, and she pushed her husband to commit murder to achieve their goals. Lady Macbeth's influence over Macbeth was so strong that he lost his sense of right and wrong and became consumed with his own ambition.

Throughout the play, Lady Macbeth's guilt and paranoia over the murders they had committed began to take a toll on her mental and physical health, leading her to ultimately commit suicide. Her death was a tragic consequence of her role in her husband's downfall, as she was unable to bear the weight of her guilt and the knowledge of her involvement in the murders.

In conclusion, Lady Macbeth's ambition, manipulation, and guilt were key factors that led to her husband's ruin, and her death was a tragic outcome of her own actions.

11. What did the three witches predict about Macbeth and Banquo when they met the witches ?

When Macbeth and Banquo first met the three witches in Shakespeare's play Macbeth, the witches made a series of predictions that would alter the course of both men's lives. The witches first address Macbeth, hailing him as Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, and future King of Scotland. These titles initially seem impossible to Macbeth, as he is already Thane of Glamis, and the current King, Duncan, has named another as Thane of Cawdor. Nevertheless, Macbeth becomes fixated on the witches' prediction of his future kingship.

In contrast, the witches predict a different fate for Banquo, stating that he will not be king himself, but that his descendants will inherit the throne. This news leaves Banquo somewhat confused, but he remains cautious and skeptical of the witches' prophecies.

These predictions set the stage for the rest of the play, as Macbeth's ambition and desire for power drive him to take extreme measures to make the witches' prophecy a reality. Meanwhile, Banquo's suspicion of the witches and his reluctance to act on their words ultimately lead to his downfall.

12. How was Banquo affected by the prophecies of the three witches ?

Banquo, a character in William Shakespeare's play Macbeth, is affected by the prophecies of the three witches in a complex way. While he is initially skeptical of their predictions, Banquo is also intrigued by their accuracy and his own potential to benefit from them.

However, as the prophecies begin to come true for Macbeth and he becomes more ruthless in his pursuit of power, Banquo begins to fear for his own safety. He expresses concern that Macbeth may have committed murder to fulfill the witches' prophecy that he would become king. Banquo also becomes increasingly suspicious of Macbeth's motives and actions.

Ultimately, Banquo is betrayed and murdered by Macbeth in an attempt to prevent the fulfillment of the witches' prophecy that Banquo's descendants would also become kings. However, Banquo's death is not in vain, as it serves as a catalyst for Macbeth's eventual downfall.

Overall, Banquo's reaction to the witches' prophecies is one of caution and concern, leading to his tragic end at the hands of his once-friend and ally.

13. How did Lady Macbeth persuade Macbeth to kill Duncan ?

In Shakespeare's play "Macbeth," Lady Macbeth persuades her husband to kill King Duncan by manipulating his insecurities and ambition. She questions his masculinity and accuses him of being cowardly and unmanly for hesitating to take the throne. Lady Macbeth also appeals to his ambition by reminding him of the witches' prophecy that he will become king. She tells him that they have a chance to seize the opportunity, but only if he acts quickly and decisively.

Lady Macbeth further convinces Macbeth to kill Duncan by developing a plan to frame the chamberlains for the murder. She instructs Macbeth on how to stage the crime scene and to plant evidence to implicate the servants. She reassures him that the plan will work and that they will be able to successfully hide their involvement.

Through her manipulation and cunning, Lady Macbeth successfully persuades Macbeth to go through with the murder of King Duncan, setting in motion a tragic chain of events that ultimately leads to their downfall.

14. Reproduce briefly the hallucination of Macbeth before he entered Duncan’s chamber to murder him.

In Shakespeare's play "Macbeth," the eponymous character experiences a vivid hallucination before entering Duncan's chamber to murder him.

As Macbeth approaches the door to the chamber, he sees a dagger floating in the air before him. The dagger is covered in blood and seems to point the way to Duncan's room. Macbeth tries to grasp the dagger, but it is just an illusion and his hand passes through it.

Macbeth is both fascinated and horrified by the vision of the dagger. He wonders if it is a sign that he should not go through with the murder or if it is a manifestation of his own guilt and desire for power. As he continues to stare at the dagger, it seems to pulse with a life of its own, heightening Macbeth's sense of unease.

Despite his misgivings, Macbeth ultimately decides to follow the vision and enter Duncan's chamber, driven by his ambition and the witches' prophecy.

15. Was Lady Macbeth responsible for the downfall of Macbeth ?

Lady Macbeth played a significant role in the downfall of Macbeth. From the beginning, Lady Macbeth encouraged her husband to pursue the crown by any means necessary, even if it meant committing murder. She convinced Macbeth to kill King Duncan and take his place on the throne. Lady Macbeth's ambition and manipulative tactics led to Macbeth's initial descent into darkness.

Throughout the play, Lady Macbeth continued to push Macbeth to maintain his power and commit more murders. However, her guilt and madness eventually led to her own downfall. Macbeth, on the other hand, became increasingly ruthless and paranoid, causing him to make irrational decisions that ultimately led to his own demise.

While Lady Macbeth played a significant role in Macbeth's downfall, it is important to note that Macbeth was ultimately responsible for his own actions. He had the free will to choose whether or not to follow Lady Macbeth's urging, and he ultimately chose to embrace his ambition and commit heinous acts.

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