Question 7
GCE_MODEL_QUESTIONS_VOL1
•
2017
•
LITERATURE_IN_ENGLISH
•
objective
Consider the following excerpt from *Macbeth* (Act 2, Scene 2):
Lady Macbeth: "My hands are of your colour, but I shame to wear them." (Stage direction: She wipes blood from her hands, looking at the dagger.)
Macbeth: "I am afraid to think what I have done."
Explain how the playwright combines dramatic irony with the stage directions in this scene to heighten tension, and deduce the effect this has on the audience's perception of Macbeth's guilt.
Answer Options
A.
The combination of dramatic irony (the audience sees the murder whereas the characters hide it) and the stage direction of Lady Macbeth cleaning her hands highlights the theme of innocence; it makes the audience perceive Macbeth as a victim of circumstance.
B.
The dramatic irony (the audience is aware of the murder while the characters pretend ignorance) together with Lady Macbeth's hand‑washing stage direction and Macbeth's denial creates a subtle tension; it causes the audience to see Macbeth as conflicted but not yet fully guilty.
Correct Answer
C.
The dramatic irony (the audience knows the murder while the characters feign normality) combined with Lady Macbeth's blood‑wiping stage direction and Macbeth's fearful confession creates a stark contrast that heightens tension; it leads the audience to view Macbeth as increasingly guilty and tormented.
D.
The use of dramatic irony (the audience knows the deed is done while the characters act calmly) alongside the stage direction of Lady Macbeth wiping blood emphasizes Macbeth's bravery; it leads the audience to admire his resolve.
Correct Answer
C
Correct Option:
The dramatic irony (the audience knows the murder while the characters feign normality) combined with Lady Macbeth's blood‑wiping stage direction and Macbeth's fearful confession creates a stark contrast that heightens tension; it leads the audience to view Macbeth as increasingly guilty and tormented.
About This Question
This is
Gce Model Questions Vol1
2017
Literature In English
Question 7.
It is one of the
objective
questions from the
2017
Gce Model Questions Vol1
Literature In English
examination.
Difficulty level:
Hard
.