example exam question(a)Read the extract.
How does Shakespeare use this scene as a crucial turning point in the play? Refer closely to details from the extract to support your answer. [15] Second Murderer A light, a light! Enter BANQUO, and FLEANCE with a torch Third Murderer 'Tis he. First Murderer Stand to't. BANQUO It will be rain to-night. First Murderer Let it come down. They set upon BANQUO BANQUO O, treachery! Fly, good Fleance, fly, fly, fly! Thou mayst revenge. O slave! Dies. FLEANCE escapes Third Murderer Who did strike out the light? First Murderer Wast not the way? Third Murderer There's but one down; the son is fled. Second Murderer We have lost Best half of our affair. First Murderer Well, let's away, and say how much is done. Exeunt |
summaryThe two murderers are joined by a third, who says that he has also been hired by Macbeth. Horses are heard approaching and Banquo and Fleance enter. The murderers attack Banquo but Fleance manages to escape. The murderers leave to report back to Macbeth.
Key quotes Banquo
Oh treachery! Fly, good Fleance, fly! Fly fly! Analysis (Banquo to Fleance) Banquo died and Fleance lived; Banquo knows Macbeth sent the murderers. Third Murderer There's but one down; the son is fled. Second Murderer We have lost Best half of our affair. Analysis The murderers realise that the main objective (killing Banquo's son, Fleance, has not been achieved. |