SECTION B: DRAMA
In this section, contextual questions are set on the following dramas:
- MACBETH by William Shakespeare
- MY CHILDREN! MY AFRICA! by Athol Fugard
Answer the question on the drama that you have studied.
QUESTION 3: MACBETH
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 of your answer.
NOTE: Answer the questions set on BOTH extracts, i.e. QUESTION 3.1 AND
QUESTION 3.2.
3.1 EXTRACT E
[Duncan and some noblemen pay Macbeth a visit.]
3.1.1 Choose a description from COLUMN B that matches a name in
COLUMN A. Write only the letter (A–E) next to the question numbers
(3.1.1(a) to 3.1.1(d)) in the ANSWER BOOK.
3.1.2 Why does Duncan visit Macbeth?
(1)
3.1.3 Refer to lines 5–6 (‘O never Shall … that morrow see!’).
(a) What tone would Lady Macbeth use in these lines? (1)
(b) Why would Lady Macbeth use this tone in these lines? (1)
3.1.4 Explain why Lady Macbeth makes reference to Macbeth’s face in
lines 7−8 (‘Your face, my … read strange matters’).
Substantiate your answer. (2)
3.1.5 State TWO ways in which Duncan will be ‘provided for’ (line 12). (2)
3.1.6 What do the words ‘We will speak further’ (line 16) reveal about
Macbeth’s state of mind at this point in the play?
Substantiate your answer. (2)
3.1.7 Explain the irony in Banquo’s words, ‘This guest of … martlet, does
approve’ (lines 27−28). (2)
3.1.8 Macbeth is a tragic hero.
Discuss your view. (3)
3.2 EXTRACT F
[Ross and Lady Macduff discuss Macduff’s absence.]
3.2.1 In lines 3−5, Lady Macduff says, ‘He had none … make us traitors.’
If you were the director of this play, what would you tell Lady
Macduff to do when saying these lines?
State TWO points. (2)
3.2.2 Refer to lines 11−13 (‘For the poor …against the owl’).
(a) Identify the figure of speech used in these lines. (1)
(b) Explain why this figure of speech is relevant in this extract. (2)
3.2.3 Choose the correct answer to complete the following sentence.
Write only the letter (A–D) next to the question number (3.2.3) in
the ANSWER BOOK.
When Ross says, ‘I pray you, school yourself’ (line 18), he means
that Lady Macduff must … herself.
A spoil
B bathe
C compose
D beautify (1)
3.2.4 Refer to lines 21−23 (‘But cruel are … what we fear’).
Explain in what way Macbeth’s rule negatively affects the people of
Scotland.
State TWO points. (2)
3.2.5 What does this extract reveal about Ross’ character?
Substantiate your answer. (2)
3.2.6 Why is the following statement FALSE?
Macduff’s family is killed immediately after his failure to attend
Macbeth’s banquet. (1)
3.2.7 One of the themes in the play is the reversal of values.
Discuss how this theme is relevant to Macbeth. (3)
3.2.8 Macduff is the true hero in this play.
Discuss your view. (3)
[35]