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Read the extracts from the play below and answer the questions set on each - NSC English FAL - Question 3 - 2019 - Paper 2
Question 3
Read the extracts from the play below and answer the questions set on each. The number of marks allocated to each question serves as a guide to the expected length o... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Read the extracts from the play below and answer the questions set on each - NSC English FAL - Question 3 - 2019 - Paper 2
Step 1
What motivates Banquo's skepticism about the witches?
Answer
Banquo is skeptical about the witches because he understands that their prophecies can be misleading. He expresses doubt about whether they are genuine or merely illusions. His caution is evident when he asks, 'Are ye fantastical, or are you aught / That thus hath dared to nobly show?' This indicates his awareness of the potential deceit in their words and the consequences of acting on those prophecies without discernment.
Step 2
How does Macbeth's reaction to the witches contrast with Banquo's?
Answer
Macbeth reacts to the witches with eagerness and intrigue, asking them to speak if they can reveal more about his future. His desire for power is shown when he is quick to accept their title of Thane of Glamis and Thane of Cawdor. In contrast, Banquo questions the witches' intentions, revealing his skepticism and cautious nature. This contrast highlights Macbeth's ambitious but reckless nature compared to Banquo’s wisdom and prudence.
Step 3
What role do the witches play in the development of Macbeth's character?
Answer
The witches play a pivotal role in Macbeth's character development by igniting his ambition and setting him on a path towards destruction. Their prophecies awaken a desire for power within him, leading to his moral decline. Macbeth's initial reaction shows a blend of wonder and trepidation, as he grapples with the implications of their words. This encounter marks the beginning of his transformation from a noble soldier to a tyrannical ruler.