Macbeth Comprehension Test
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This test provides a summary test for the play "Macbeth" by Shakespeare. This test contains 21 questions and has no time limit. Choose the answer choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Who is called “Thane of Cawdor” by the witches after Macdonwald has died?
- A.
Banquo
- B.
Macduff
- C.
Malcolm
- D.
Macbeth
Correct Answer
D. MacbethExplanation
After Macdonwald's death, the witches in Shakespeare's play "Macbeth" refer to Macbeth as the "Thane of Cawdor." This is significant because it foreshadows Macbeth's future rise in power and his eventual downfall. The witches' prophecy fuels Macbeth's ambition and sets in motion a series of events that lead to his tragic fate.Rate this question:
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- 2.
How many witches (not counting Hecate) appear in the play?
- A.
One
- B.
Two
- C.
Three
- D.
Four
Correct Answer
C. ThreeExplanation
In the play, "Macbeth," three witches appear. These witches, also known as the "Weird Sisters," play a significant role in the plot as they prophesy Macbeth's rise to power and ultimately contribute to his downfall. They are often portrayed as mysterious and supernatural beings who manipulate and influence the actions of the main characters. Their presence adds an element of darkness and intrigue to the play, making them important figures in the story.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Who kills Macdonwald?
- A.
Macbeth
- B.
Banquo
- C.
Fleance
- D.
Macduff
Correct Answer
A. MacbethExplanation
Macbeth kills Macdonwald. In the play "Macbeth" by William Shakespeare, Macbeth is a brave and loyal soldier who fights against Macdonwald, a traitor and rebel. Macbeth defeats Macdonwald in battle and kills him, displaying his bravery and loyalty to King Duncan. This event marks the beginning of Macbeth's descent into darkness and his ambition to become the King of Scotland.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Who kills Banquo?
- A.
Macduff and Lady Macduff
- B.
Macbeth and Lady Macbeth
- C.
A group of witches
- D.
A group of murderers
Correct Answer
D. A group of murderersExplanation
In Shakespeare's play Macbeth, Banquo is killed by a group of murderers hired by Macbeth. Macbeth fears that Banquo's descendants will inherit the throne, as predicted by the witches, and sees him as a threat to his own power. He convinces the murderers that Banquo is their enemy and orders them to kill him. This act further demonstrates Macbeth's ruthless ambition and willingness to eliminate anyone who stands in his way.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Who discovers Duncan's dead body?
- A.
Fleance
- B.
Macduff
- C.
Banquo
- D.
Lady Macduff
Correct Answer
B. MacduffExplanation
Macduff discovers Duncan's dead body. In Shakespeare's play "Macbeth," Macduff is a nobleman who becomes suspicious of Macbeth's actions and joins forces with Malcolm to overthrow him. After Duncan is murdered, Macduff is the first to discover his lifeless body in his chamber. This discovery ultimately leads to Macduff's growing distrust of Macbeth and his determination to seek justice for Duncan's murder.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Who is framed for Duncan's murder?
- A.
Banquo
- B.
Malcolm
- C.
Duncan's guards
- D.
Macbeth
Correct Answer
C. Duncan's guardsExplanation
In Shakespeare's play Macbeth, Duncan's guards are framed for his murder. Macbeth, driven by his ambition to become king, kills Duncan and then plants the daggers on the guards to make it appear as if they were responsible. This is part of Macbeth's plan to seize the throne and eliminate any potential threats to his rule. By framing the guards, Macbeth attempts to divert suspicion away from himself and maintain his newfound power.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Whom does Duncan name as his successor?
- A.
Malcolm
- B.
Banquo
- C.
Macbeth
- D.
Macduff
Correct Answer
A. MalcolmExplanation
Duncan names Malcolm as his successor. This can be inferred from the play "Macbeth" by William Shakespeare. In Act 1, Scene 4, Duncan declares that his eldest son, Malcolm, will be the next king after him. This decision is made after Duncan realizes that Macbeth is a trusted and loyal subject, while Banquo and Macduff are not suitable candidates for the throne. Therefore, Malcolm is chosen as the rightful heir to the Scottish throne.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Who warns Macbeth that the witches (or the "instruments of darkness") are forces of deceit that tell the truth to trick humans into believing them?
- A.
Lady Macbeth
- B.
Banquo
- C.
Fleance
- D.
Macduff
Correct Answer
B. BanquoExplanation
Banquo warns Macbeth that the witches are forces of deceit that tell the truth to trick humans into believing them. Banquo is skeptical of the witches' prophecies and advises Macbeth to be cautious of their intentions. He recognizes that they may use the truth as a manipulative tool to lead Macbeth astray. This warning from Banquo foreshadows the eventual downfall of Macbeth, as he falls victim to the witches' deceptive influence.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Before he kills Duncan, Mabeth sees a floating _____ that points him to Duncan's bed chamber.
Correct Answer
dagger
knifeExplanation
Before he kills Duncan, Macbeth sees a floating dagger that points him to Duncan's bed chamber. The image of the dagger symbolizes Macbeth's inner conflict and his wavering conscience. It represents his ambition and desire for power, as well as the guilt and hesitation he feels about committing the murder. The floating dagger serves as a supernatural manifestation of Macbeth's inner turmoil and acts as a catalyst for his descent into darkness and madness.Rate this question:
- 10.
_____ is plagued by fits of sleepwalking before he/she dies at the end of the play.
Correct Answer
Lady MacbethExplanation
Lady Macbeth is plagued by fits of sleepwalking before she dies at the end of the play. This is a significant aspect of her character development and guilt. In the play "Macbeth" by William Shakespeare, Lady Macbeth is consumed by her ambition and desire for power, leading her to manipulate her husband into committing murder. However, the guilt of their actions starts to haunt her, causing her to sleepwalk and relive the traumatic events. This sleepwalking symbolizes her deteriorating mental state and serves as a manifestation of her guilt, ultimately leading to her tragic demise.Rate this question:
- 11.
The witches tell _____ that he will get kings but will not be one.
Correct Answer
BanquoExplanation
The witches inform Banquo that he will father kings but will not become one himself. This suggests that Banquo's descendants will inherit the throne and hold power, while Banquo himself will not attain the same level of kingship. This prophecy sets up an important contrast between Banquo and Macbeth, as Macbeth becomes consumed by his desire for power and resorts to murder to secure his position as king, while Banquo remains loyal and honorable.Rate this question:
- 12.
Which character kills Lady Macbeth?
Correct Answer
Lady Macbeth - 13.
Who is the father of Fleance?
Correct Answer
BanquoExplanation
Banquo is the father of Fleance because in Shakespeare's play Macbeth, it is mentioned that Fleance is Banquo's son. Banquo is a nobleman and a friend of Macbeth, and it is revealed that he is the father of Fleance during a conversation between Macbeth and the three witches. Fleance's lineage is significant in the play as the witches also prophesize that Banquo's descendants will eventually become kings.Rate this question:
- 14.
The apparitions tell Macbeth that he will not be vanquished until _____.
- A.
Macduff kills him with a sword.
- B.
Banquo's ghost returns for vengeance.
- C.
Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane Hill.
- D.
Macbeth refuses to fight.
Correct Answer
C. Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane Hill.Explanation
The apparitions in Macbeth tell him that he will not be vanquished until Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane Hill. This is a reference to the prophecy that Macbeth will not be defeated until the forest of Birnam Wood moves towards his castle at Dunsinane. This prophecy gives Macbeth a false sense of security, as he believes it is impossible for a forest to move. However, later in the play, his enemies disguise themselves with branches from Birnam Wood, giving the illusion that the forest is indeed moving towards Dunsinane. This ultimately leads to Macbeth's downfall.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Which of the following sees Lady Macbeth while she sleepwalks?
- A.
The Soothsayer
- B.
Malcolm
- C.
Donalbain
- D.
The Gentlewoman
Correct Answer
D. The GentlewomanExplanation
In the play Macbeth, Lady Macbeth suffers from guilt and hallucinations after being involved in the murder of King Duncan. During her sleepwalking scene, she is seen by a gentlewoman who is tasked with watching over her. The gentlewoman witnesses Lady Macbeth's troubled state as she tries to wash imaginary bloodstains from her hands, revealing her guilt and inner turmoil. Therefore, the correct answer is The Gentlewoman.Rate this question:
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- 16.
_____ kills Macbeth.
- A.
Macduff
- B.
Lady Macbeth
- C.
Banquo
- D.
Donalbain
Correct Answer
A. MacduffExplanation
Macduff kills Macbeth because Macbeth has become a tyrant and has caused great suffering in Scotland. Macduff seeks revenge for the murder of his family, which was ordered by Macbeth. In the final battle, Macduff confronts Macbeth and ultimately kills him, fulfilling the prophecy that no man of woman born can harm Macbeth. Macduff's victory restores peace and justice to Scotland.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Where does Duncan die?
- A.
Macbeth's castle
- B.
Macduff's castle
- C.
Duncan's castle
- D.
On the battlefield
Correct Answer
A. Macbeth's castleExplanation
Duncan dies at Macbeth's castle. This is evident in the play "Macbeth" by William Shakespeare, where Macbeth murders Duncan in his own castle. Macbeth invites Duncan to his castle, and while Duncan is asleep, Macbeth kills him in order to seize the throne. The murder takes place in Macbeth's castle, making it the correct answer.Rate this question:
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- 18.
_____ arranges the plan to kill Banquo.
Correct Answer
MacbethExplanation
Macbeth arranges the plan to kill Banquo. In Shakespeare's play, Macbeth becomes consumed by his ambition and paranoia, fearing that Banquo's descendants will take the throne. Therefore, he hires murderers to carry out the assassination of Banquo and his son Fleance, in order to eliminate any potential threats to his own power. Macbeth's decision to arrange this plan demonstrates his ruthless and manipulative nature as he is willing to go to extreme lengths to secure his position as king.Rate this question:
- 19.
Who dies first: Lady Macduff or Lady Macbeth?
Correct Answer
Lady MacduffExplanation
Lady Macduff dies first in the play Macbeth. In Act 4, Lady Macduff and her children are brutally murdered by Macbeth's henchmen. This happens before Lady Macbeth's death, which occurs in Act 5. Lady Macbeth's death is a consequence of her guilt and mental deterioration, while Lady Macduff's death is a result of Macbeth's ruthless actions in his quest for power.Rate this question:
- 20.
Who flees to England to join Malcolm?
Correct Answer
MacduffExplanation
Macduff flees to England to join Malcolm because he suspects Macbeth of being responsible for the murder of King Duncan and fears for his own safety. Macduff believes that Malcolm, as the rightful heir to the throne, can help him gather support and overthrow Macbeth's tyrannical rule. By joining forces with Malcolm, Macduff hopes to restore peace and justice to Scotland and avenge the death of King Duncan.Rate this question:
- 21.
Who becomes king after Macbeth is killed?
- A.
Donalbain
- B.
Macduff
- C.
Banquo
- D.
Malcolm
Correct Answer
D. MalcolmExplanation
After Macbeth is killed, Malcolm becomes the king. This is because Malcolm is the rightful heir to the throne, being the son of King Duncan. Macbeth, through his treacherous actions, had usurped the throne, but his death allows Malcolm to reclaim his rightful position as the ruler of Scotland.Rate this question:
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