1
1 mark
How is Macbeth described at the beginning of the play?
carefree and indifferent
treacherous and deceitful
brave and loyal
cowardly and timid
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Macbeth (AQA GCSE English Literature): Exam Questions
Exam code: 8702
12 hours231 questions
2
1 mark
What is Macbeth’s fatal flaw?
ambition
cowardice
greed
loyalty
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3
1 mark
Who is Macbeth influenced by in his decision to murder King Duncan?
Banquo and Malcolm
Banquo and the witches
Lady Macbeth and the witches
Macduff and Lady Macbeth
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4
1 mark
Which character does Macbeth murder due to paranoia?
Banquo
Malcolm
Macduff
Duncan
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5
1 mark
What mental state does Macbeth exhibit after Duncan’s murder?
happiness and relief
guilt and paranoia
confidence and peace
indifference and calmness
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6
1 mark
What hallucination does Macbeth experience before killing Duncan?
a marching forest
the ghost of Banquo
a bloody dagger
a crown
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7
1 mark
How does Macbeth die at the end of the play?
He dies of guilt.
He is killed by Macduff.
He is poisoned by Lady Macbeth.
He commits suicide.
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8
1 mark
Why does Macbeth's character become less sympathetic as the play progresses?
He becomes increasingly cruel and paranoid.
He becomes more heroic and virtuous.
He distances himself from the witches’ influence.
He seeks redemption for his actions.
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9
1 mark
Why does Macbeth begin to keep secrets from Lady Macbeth as the play progresses?
He is trying to protect her from his crimes.
He becomes more independent and paranoid.
He no longer trusts her guidance.
She loses interest in the throne.
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10
1 mark
Why does Macbeth continue to fight at the end of the play despite knowing he will likely die?
He is trying to protect Lady Macbeth.
He is hopeful he will be victorious.
He wants to die a warrior’s death.
He believes the witches’ prophecies are false.
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1
1 mark
How does Macbeth's inner conflict reflect his character after hearing the witches’ prophecies?
It shows the tension between his ambition and his loyalty to the king.
It demonstrates his complete disregard for morality.
It shows his immediate willingness to pursue power by any means.
It indicates his fear of Lady Macbeth’s disapproval.
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2
1 mark
Why does Macbeth begin to hallucinate after Duncan’s murder?
to show that he is completely insane
to reflect his overwhelming guilt and moral turmoil
to suggest that he is under the witches' control
to indicate that he is losing faith in his actions
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3
1 mark
How does Macbeth’s relationship with Lady Macbeth change as the play progresses?
Macbeth becomes more independent and secretive, leaving Lady Macbeth isolated.
Lady Macbeth gains more power as Macbeth relies on her.
Macbeth becomes increasingly devoted to Lady Macbeth, seeking her approval.
Lady Macbeth and Macbeth’s bond strengthens as they plot together.
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4
1 mark
What is the significance of Macbeth choosing to visit the witches a second time without consulting Lady Macbeth?
It highlights his growing independence and reliance on dark forces over his wife’s influence.
It shows his increasing reliance on Lady Macbeth’s advice.
It suggests that Macbeth has fully given up on his ambition.
It indicates that Macbeth seeks approval from Lady Macbeth for his actions.
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5
1 mark
How does Macbeth’s murder of Banquo illustrate his evolving character?
It shows his unwillingness to accept the witches’ prophecies.
It reflects his fear of Banquo becoming king.
It demonstrates Macbeth’s desire to appease Lady Macbeth.
It shows that Macbeth is willing to murder even his closest friends to secure his power.
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6
1 mark
In what way does Macbeth’s reaction to his wife’s death reflect his changing outlook on life?
He seeks vengeance for her death, blaming his enemies.
He becomes nihilistic, seeing life as meaningless.
He is consumed by grief and despair.
He plans to abandon his throne in her memory.
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7
1 mark
How does Macbeth’s decision to kill Macduff’s family affect the play’s outcome?
It strengthens his relationship with Lady Macbeth.
It provokes Macduff to seek revenge, leading to Macbeth’s downfall.
It ensures his safety from Macduff.
It is a strategic mistake that strengthens his enemies.
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8
1 mark
How does Macbeth’s final battle reflect his character arc?
It demonstrates his cowardice and fear of death.
It shows his regret and desire for redemption.
It confirms his desire to die as a warrior, even in defeat.
It illustrates his wish to surrender and escape his fate.
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1
1 mark
Which is the most valid interpretation of Macbeth’s ambition in leading to his downfall?
Macbeth’s ambition is completely driven by the witches’ influence.
Macbeth’s ambition is tempered by his conscience, which limits its destructive impact.
Macbeth’s ambition destroys him by blinding him to the consequences of his actions.
Macbeth’s ambition only contributes partially to his downfall.
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2
1 mark
What is the most reasonable explanation for Macbeth’s increasing paranoia throughout the play?
Macbeth’s guilt over his actions fuels his paranoia and leads to further violence.
The witches’ prophecies directly cause Macbeth’s paranoia by manipulating his mind.
Macbeth’s paranoia is exaggerated and unjustified, as most threats are imaginary.
His paranoia is purely a result of political pressure and the fear of losing power.
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3
1 mark
Which action best exemplifies Macbeth’s loss of moral integrity as the play progresses?
his initial murder of King Duncan, which shows his willingness to betray for power
his ordering of the murder of Macduff’s family, which shows cruelty without justification
his refusal to confide in Lady Macbeth, which shows his growing isolation
his decision to consult the witches again, which shows his reliance on the supernatural
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4
1 mark
Which perspective is the most accurate when considering the audience’s sympathy for Macbeth at the end of the play?
Macbeth retains some sympathy because he is ultimately a tragic hero consumed by ambition.
Macbeth deserves no sympathy because his actions are purely evil and selfish.
Macbeth deserves sympathy because he was manipulated by external forces.
Macbeth should be sympathised with because his death restores the natural order of society.
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