Macbeth: Characters – Macbeth
English
GCSE
9 questions
~18 mins
1 views0 downloads
About This Worksheet
A comprehension worksheet analysing Macbeth's character through a scene from Shakespeare's play, with a focus on a science fiction thematic context.
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Macbeth: Characters – Macbeth
Subject: EnglishGrade: GCSE
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Untitled Worksheet
Grade GCSE
A
Examining Macbeth's Character
First Witch:
All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Glamis!
All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor!
All hail, Macbeth! That shalt be king hereafter!
[Thunder. Enter the three Witches]
First Witch:
When shall we three meet again
In thunder, lightning, or in rain?
Second Witch:
When the hurlyburly’s done,
When the battle’s lost and won.
Third Witch:
That will be ere the set of sun.
First Witch:
Where the place?
Second Witch:
Upon the heath.
Third Witch:
There to meet with Macbeth.
First Witch:
I come, Graymalkin!
Second Witch:
Paddock calls.
Third Witch:
Anon.
All:
Fair is foul, and foul is fair:
Hover through the fog and filthy air.
[Exeunt]
[Later scene]
Macbeth:
So foul and fair a day I have not seen.
[He reflects on the witches’ prophecies and his own ambition]
If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me,
Without my stir.
[He begins contemplating murder to accelerate his rise to power.]
B
Questions on Macbeth's Character and Language
Answer each question thoughtfully, referring to the extract. Use complete sentences where indicated.
1.
Identify and explain one example of dramatic irony present in Macbeth's speech upon meeting the witches.
[2 marks]2.
Describe how Macbeth's language in the extract reveals his internal conflict about the prophecy.
[2 marks]3.
Which literary device is used in the line 'Fair is foul, and foul is fair'? Explain its effect.
Aa) Metaphor
Bb) Paradox
Cc) Alliteration
Dd) Irony
4.
What is the significance of Macbeth's statement, "If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me," in terms of his character development?
[2 marks]5.
Analyse how Shakespeare’s use of stage directions enhances the ominous tone of the scene.
6.
Compare Macbeth’s attitude toward the witches’ prophecy at the beginning of the scene with his attitude later when he considers murder.
[3 marks]7.
Identify one example of foreshadowing in the extract and explain its significance.
[2 marks]8.
Discuss how Shakespeare uses rhythm and caesura in Macbeth’s speech to reflect his mental state.
9.
In the context of a science fiction theme, how could Macbeth’s ambition be compared to a desire for power over artificial intelligence or future technology?
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Details
- Created
- 12/31/2025
- Updated
- 12/31/2025
- Type
- worksheet