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Macbeth’s insecurity
Section B – Shakespeare. Macbeth. Choose ONE question. You are advised to spend about 45 minutes on this section. In this extract from Act 3 Scene 2, Macbeth is now king but confides his regrets and fears to Lady Macbeth.
Explore the ways in which Shakespeare presents Macbeth’s insecurity. Refer to this extract from Act 3 Scene 2 and elsewhere in the play.
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What a strong answer needs
- 1 extract focus
- 2 elsewhere
- 3 methods
- 4 context
- 5 SPaG
Full-mark answer
A strong answer would show how the extract presents Macbeth as politically and mentally insecure after gaining the crown. It would analyse the violent animal imagery, fear, disguise and guilt in the extract, then connect these to other moments in the play and relevant context about kingship and disorder.
Why this answer loses marks
Macbeth is insecure because he feels guilty after killing Duncan.
This gives one possible cause, but it needs extract anchoring, wider-play range, analysis of Shakespeare’s imagery and relevant context about kingship and order.