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 questions 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
[Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are talking about King Duncan.]
(4 x 1) (4)
3.1.1 Choose a description from COLUMN B that matches the 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.
(4 x 1) (4)
3.1.2 Describe the setting of this extract. (2)
3.1.3 Refer to line 1 (‘My husband!’).
(a) What tone would Lady Macbeth use in this line? (1)
(b) Why would Lady Macbeth use this tone in this line? (1)
3.1.4 Why is the following statement FALSE?
Lady Macbeth kills Duncan. (1)
3.1.5 Refer to lines 14–17 (‘There’s one did … Again to sleep’).
If you were the director of the play, what would you tell Macbeth to
do when saying these lines? State TWO actions. (2)
3.1.6 Explain the irony of Lady Macbeth’s words in lines 27–28 (‘These
deeds must … make us mad’). (2)
3.1.7 State ONE difference in the reaction of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth
to the ‘deed’ (line 2) committed in this extract. (2)
3.1.8 Banquo’s loyalty causes his death.
Discuss your view. (3)
AND
3.2 EXTRACT F
[A doctor and gentlewoman observe Lady Macbeth’s actions.]
3.2.1 What has happened to the wife of the Thane of Fife (line 2)? (1)
3.2.2 To which actions of Macbeth does Lady Macbeth refer when she
says ‘you mar all with this starting’ (line 4)? (2)
3.2.3 Refer to line 7 (‘Heaven knows what she has known’).
What does this line tell us about the state of mind of the
gentlewoman? Substantiate your answer. (2)
3.2.4 Refer to lines 8–9 (‘Here’s the smell … this little hand’).
(a) Identify the figure of speech used in these lines. (1)
(b) Explain this figure of speech as used in these lines. (2)
3.2.5 What does this extract reveal about the doctor’s character?
Substantiate your answer. (2)
3.2.6 Choose the correct answer to complete the following sentence.
Write only the letter (A–D) next to the question number (3.2.6) in
the ANSWER BOOK.
‘there’s knocking at the gate’ (line 22) refers to … arriving at
Macbeth’s castle.
A Banquo
B Donalbain
C Macduff
D Seyton (1)
3.2.7 One of the themes in Macbeth is deception.
Discuss this theme. (3)
3.2.8 In this play Macbeth is a tragic hero.
Discuss your view. (3)
[35]