At the beginning of Scene VII in Macbeth, Macbeth expresses
doubt about murdering the king because
(1 point)
Macbeth is King Duncan’s subject and host.
it could weaken all of Scotland.
the King’s sons would kill him.
Lady Macbeth has misgivings.
The correct answer is: Macbeth is King Duncan’s subject and host.
At the beginning of Scene VII in Macbeth, Macbeth expresses doubt about murdering the king because Macbeth is King Duncan's subject and host. (1 point)
To find the answer to this question, we need to refer to Act I, Scene VII of William Shakespeare's play Macbeth. This scene revolves around Macbeth grappling with his decision to assassinate King Duncan. Let's break down each option and analyze the text to determine the correct answer:
1. Macbeth is King Duncan’s subject and host: In this scene, Macbeth indeed acknowledges his loyalty to King Duncan, referring to him as his "kinsman" and "subject." Macbeth also emphasizes how Duncan has been a benevolent king and has placed his trust in Macbeth by staying as a guest in his castle.
2. It could weaken all of Scotland: Macbeth weighs the consequences of murdering the king and contemplates how it could potentially destabilize the entire country. He ponders the possible chaos and disorder that might result from taking such a drastic action.
3. The King's sons would kill him: In Act I, Scene VII, Macbeth mentions that Duncan's sons are his potential rivals for the throne. However, Macbeth's main concern is not about them seeking revenge, but more about the moral and political implications of his actions.
4. Lady Macbeth has misgivings: In the scene, Lady Macbeth tries to persuade Macbeth to go through with the murder and expresses her determination to carry out their plan. While Macbeth initially shares her ambition, his doubts and hesitations arise from his own conscience rather than Lady Macbeth's reservations.
Based on the analysis, the correct answer is (2) It could weaken all of Scotland. Macbeth expresses doubt about murdering the king because he recognizes the potential consequences it could have on the stability and well-being of the entire nation.