Question

In a response of three to five sentences, explain how Macbeth changes throughout the scene in this lesson. Use the lines from Group A, when he first hears the weird sisters' greeting, and Group B, the aside he makes after he learns he has been named Thane of Cawdor, to support your answer. (10 points) Group A By Sinel's death I know I am Thane of Glamis; But how of Cawdor? The Thane of Cawdor lives, A prosperous gentleman; and to be King Stands not within the prospect of belief, No more than to be Cawdor. Group B [Aside.] Two truths are told, As happy prologues to the swelling act Of the imperial (royal) theme-... If good, why do I yield to that suggestion Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair And make my seated heart knock at my ribs, Against the use of nature? Present fears Are less than horrible imaginings: My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical, Shakes so my single state of man that function Is smother'd in surmise, and nothing is But what is not.

Answer 1

Group A, Macbeth is shocked of the news, he is apparently going to be not only thane of cawdor, but eventually king. In group B, macbeth is becoming less and less grateful for the news, and wants to become a king "quicker", by murdering King Duncan.