Question 46
GCE_MODEL_QUESTIONS_VOL1
•
2022
•
LITERATURE_IN_ENGLISH
•
objective
In Shakespeare's *Macbeth* the motif of blood appears repeatedly. In Toni Morrison's *Beloved* the motif of water recurs. Explain how each symbol evolves from the beginning to the end of its respective work, and argue how the contrasting trajectories of these symbols illuminate a shared theme of guilt and redemption. Provide at least two textual references for each work.
Answer Options
A.
Both blood and water in the two novels remain static symbols throughout; blood never changes its meaning in *Macbeth*, and water never shifts its role in *Beloved*, so they do not contribute to any theme of guilt or redemption.
Correct Answer
B.
Blood in *Macbeth* starts as a sign of violent action (e.g., the murder of Duncan) and becomes a persistent reminder of Macbeth's and Lady Macbeth's guilt, culminating in Lady Macbeth's obsessive hand‑washing and Macbeth's fatalistic acceptance of his deeds. Water in *Beloved* begins as a life‑giving, cleansing element (the river that saved Sethe's children), is later associated with the drowning of the baby, and finally serves as a site of confrontation and possible rebirth when Sethe faces her past at the riverbank. The opposite movements of the symbols—blood turning into an indelible stain of guilt, water offering a route to cleansing—underscore a common theme: both works explore how guilt can dominate a character's psyche while also leaving a narrow path toward redemption.
C.
Blood in *Macbeth* is introduced as a symbol of royal legitimacy, representing the rightful succession of Duncan, and later becomes a celebratory motif at the coronation, highlighting Macbeth's triumph rather than guilt.
D.
Water in *Beloved* is portrayed solely as a destructive force, beginning with the flood that destroys the community and ending with the river that permanently erases Sethe's memories, offering no possibility of redemption.
Correct Answer
B
Correct Option:
Blood in *Macbeth* starts as a sign of violent action (e.g., the murder of Duncan) and becomes a persistent reminder of Macbeth's and Lady Macbeth's guilt, culminating in Lady Macbeth's obsessive hand‑washing and Macbeth's fatalistic acceptance of his deeds. Water in *Beloved* begins as a life‑giving, cleansing element (the river that saved Sethe's children), is later associated with the drowning of the baby, and finally serves as a site of confrontation and possible rebirth when Sethe faces her past at the riverbank. The opposite movements of the symbols—blood turning into an indelible stain of guilt, water offering a route to cleansing—underscore a common theme: both works explore how guilt can dominate a character's psyche while also leaving a narrow path toward redemption.
About This Question
This is
Gce Model Questions Vol1
2022
Literature In English
Question 46.
It is one of the
objective
questions from the
2022
Gce Model Questions Vol1
Literature In English
examination.
Difficulty level:
Hard
.