Good afternoon! I was wondering if I could have a second-hand opinion for my answer. It's a study guide question for a test, so I want to make sure I have it right. Thank you in advanced.
1st Question:
Read the passage:
Sergeant: ...For brave Macbeth—well he deserves that name—
Disdaining fortune, with his brandish'd steel,
Which smoked with bloody execution,
Like valour's minion carved out his passage
Till he faced the slave;
Which ne'er shook hands, nor bade farewell to him,
Till he unseam'd him from the nave to the chaps,
And fix'd his head upon our battlements.
How does Shakespeare's use of figurative language in this excerpt affect the play?
A: By suggesting that Macbeth was treating fortune with disdain, the Sergeant conveys the idea that Macbeth is ruled by his vaulting ambition.
B: By stating that Macbeth's sword "smoked with bloody execution," the Sergeant makes clear the fact that Macbeth is a ruthless and powerful warrior. (I do believe it would be this one, but I'm not 100% sure.)
C: By saying that Macbeth "unseam'd" the enemy of Duncan from "the nave to the chaps," the Sergeant reveals Macbeth to be a smart and effective negotiator.
D: By describing the enemy of Macbeth as "the slave," the Sergeant suggests that Macbeth is a cruel and immoral figure who treats others as property.
I agree.
Good afternoon! Let's analyze the options and figure out the correct answer together.
To determine the effect of Shakespeare's use of figurative language in this excerpt, we need to examine the specific phrases and their implications.
A: By suggesting that Macbeth was treating fortune with disdain, the Sergeant conveys the idea that Macbeth is ruled by his vaulting ambition.
To determine if this is the correct answer, we need to consider the phrase "Disdaining fortune." This phrase implies that Macbeth disregards or looks down upon fortune, suggesting that he is controlled by his ambitious nature. While this interpretation aligns with the theme of Macbeth's ambition, it does not directly relate to the figurative language used in the passage.
B: By stating that Macbeth's sword "smoked with bloody execution," the Sergeant makes clear the fact that Macbeth is a ruthless and powerful warrior.
The phrase "smoked with bloody execution" is a figurative expression that suggests Macbeth's sword is heavily stained with blood due to his ruthless actions. This portrayal emphasizes Macbeth's capacity for violence, contributing to the depiction of him as a powerful warrior. Since this aligns with the figurative language used, this option seems plausible.
C: By saying that Macbeth "unseam'd" the enemy of Duncan from "the nave to the chaps," the Sergeant reveals Macbeth to be a smart and effective negotiator.
The term "unseam'd" implies that Macbeth severed or split open the enemy's body from "the nave to the chaps." This description highlights Macbeth's violent and brutal actions, which are not indicative of being a smart or effective negotiator. Therefore, this option does not accurately reflect the figurative language used.
D: By describing the enemy of Macbeth as "the slave," the Sergeant suggests that Macbeth is a cruel and immoral figure who treats others as property.
This option refers to the description of Macbeth's enemy as "the slave." This characterization implies that Macbeth sees others as inferior and treats them in a cruel manner. Although this may potentially reflect Macbeth's character as cruel and immoral, it does not directly address the figurative language used in the passage.
Considering the above analysis, it appears that option B is the most accurate answer. By stating that Macbeth's sword "smoked with bloody execution," the Sergeant emphasizes Macbeth's ruthlessness and power as a warrior. This aligns well with the use of figurative language in the excerpt.
However, it's always a good idea to consult with your peers or instructor to gain multiple perspectives on the question.