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MALCOLM Merciful heaven! — What, man! Ne'er pull your hat upon your brows: Give sorrow words - Edexcel - GCSE English Literature - Question 1 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 1
MALCOLM Merciful heaven! — What, man! Ne'er pull your hat upon your brows: Give sorrow words. The grief that does not speak Whispers the o'er-fraught heart, and bids... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:MALCOLM Merciful heaven! — What, man! Ne'er pull your hat upon your brows: Give sorrow words - Edexcel - GCSE English Literature - Question 1 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
Malcolm's Reaction to Macduff's Grief
Answer
Malcolm responds empathetically to Macduff's grief by urging him to express his sorrow rather than conceal it. His exclamatory phrases, such as 'Merciful heaven!' and instructions to 'give sorrow words,' highlight his understanding of the emotional turmoil Macduff is experiencing. The contrast between Malcolm's supportive language and Macduff's devastating questions illustrates the depth of Macduff's suffering.
Step 2
Macduff's Pained Inquiry
Answer
Macduff's repeated questioning about his family, particularly his children, shows his desperation and heartbreak. His lines 'My children too?' emphasize his fear of losing everything to the violence surrounding them. This conveys his feelings of guilt and helplessness.
Step 3
Ross' Confirmation
Answer
Ross' stark acknowledgment of loss — 'Wife, children, servants - all' — serves to underscore the tragedy that has befallen Macduff. This moment reinforces the gravity of their situation, as Macduff realizes that not only has he lost his wife but potentially his children as well.
Step 4
Macduff's Anguish and Determination
Answer
Macduff’s exclamation, 'And I must be from thence!' reveals his resolve to seek vengeance for his family's murder. His desperate reaction highlights a pivotal moment where grief morphs into a desire for retribution, showcasing the theme of the cyclical nature of violence and the impact of personal loss.
Step 5
Final Reflection on Loss
Answer
The exchange culminates with Macduff's realization of his wife's death, delivered in the simple but powerful line, ‘My wife killed too?’. This moment not only amplifies his despair but sets the stage for his future actions, emphasizing the personal stakes involved in the struggle for power.