11 mark
What role does Duncan have in the play?
Thane of Cawdor
King of Scotland
General in the army
Prince of Scotland
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Macbeth (AQA GCSE English Literature)
Exam Questions
8 hours225 questions
21 mark
How does Duncan describe Macbeth after hearing of his bravery in battle?
“A treacherous man, in whose face I saw not the serpent.”
“An unworthy warrior! A braggart and a villain!”
“O valiant cousin! Worthy gentleman!”
“A future king! A worthy successor!”
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31 mark
Who are Duncan’s two sons in the play?
Malcolm and Donalbain
Banquo and Fleance
Ross and Lennox
Macbeth and Banquo
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41 mark
In which scene does Duncan arrive at Macbeth’s castle, praising both its beauty and hospitality?
Act 1, Scene 4
Act 1, Scene 6
Act 2, Scene 2
Act 3, Scene 1
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51 mark
Who does Duncan appoint as his successor to the throne of Scotland?
Banquo
Donalbain
Malcolm
Macbeth
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61 mark
How does Duncan describe Macbeth’s castle upon his arrival?
“A dark and gloomy place.”
“A castle full of treachery and murder”
“This castle hath a pleasant seat.”
“A home filled with sorrow and bloodshed.”
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71 mark
What is the dramatic irony in Duncan’s arrival at Macbeth’s castle?
Duncan knows that Macbeth plans to kill him.
Duncan praises the castle, unaware of Macbeth’s intentions to murder him.
Duncan believes Lady Macbeth will help him to protect the throne from Macbeth.
Duncan is secretly plotting against Macbeth following his brutal display in battle.
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81 mark
How does Duncan’s murder affect the natural order in the play?
It restores peace and stability to Scotland, bringing a decade of peace.
It disrupts the natural order, symbolised by unnatural events.
It ensures Macbeth’s rightful place as king.
It brings about immediate justice for Duncan’s death.
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91 mark
How does Duncan’s trust in Macbeth illustrate the theme of betrayal in the play?
It shows that Duncan only trusts his family, not his subjects.
It suggests that Duncan trusts Macbeth because of the witches’ prophecies.
It demonstrates that Duncan is aware of Macbeth’s ambition but ignores it.
It highlights how Duncan’s misplaced trust leads to his downfall.
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101 mark
What is the significance of Duncan naming Malcolm as his heir?
It confirms that Macbeth will never be king.
It signifies that Duncan doubts Macbeth’s loyalty.
It foreshadows Macbeth’s desire to disrupt the natural order.
It causes Banquo to question his own ambitions.
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111 mark
How does Duncan’s arrival at Macbeth’s castle illustrate the theme of appearance versus reality?
Duncan is aware of the danger but chooses to ignore it, believing the best of Macbeth.
Duncan sees the castle as beautiful, unaware of Macbeth’s murderous intentions.
Duncan is pretending to enjoy his visit while secretly suspicious of Macbeth.
Duncan knows Macbeth plans to kill him but arrives anyway.
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11 mark
How does Duncan’s language reflect his character as a noble and rightful king?
He uses short, simple sentences to appear approachable to his subjects.
He speaks in prose to show his closeness to common people.
He uses elevated diction and iambic pentameter to convey his regal status.
He uses fragmented speech to show his nervousness about his position.
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21 mark
Why does Duncan praise Macbeth and Banquo upon their return from battle?
to honour their loyalty and bravery in defending Scotland
to encourage them to continue fighting against King Duncan’s enemies
to promote them to higher ranks and give them control over the kingdom
to persuade them to remain loyal to Malcolm as the future king
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31 mark
How does Duncan’s character contrast with Macbeth’s ambition?
Duncan is ambitious and ruthless, while Macbeth is more passive and content.
Duncan represents a rightful king, while Macbeth is driven by unchecked ambition.
Duncan is suspicious and cautious, while Macbeth is trusting and easily manipulated.
Duncan encourages ambition in Macbeth, leading to Macbeth’s downfall.
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41 mark
How does Duncan’s praise of Macbeth’s bravery in battle support Macbeth’s later ambition to become king?
It suggests that Duncan wants Macbeth to be his heir.
It increases Macbeth’s confidence, fuelling his ambition.
It makes Banquo jealous, leading to conflict between them.
It forces Macbeth to reject Duncan’s leadership entirely.
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51 mark
Suggest how Duncan’s trusting nature leaves him vulnerable to betrayal.
He believes that loyalty is always rewarded, so he cannot imagine betrayal.
He is an old and weak king, easily manipulated by stronger characters.
He trusts everyone equally, especially those who have wronged him in the past.
He refuses to listen to warnings from his advisers, leading to his downfall.
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61 mark
Suggest how Duncan’s decision to name Malcolm as his heir might have affected Macbeth’s ambition.
It strengthens Macbeth’s ambition because he realises he must act quickly to seize power.
It reduces Macbeth’s ambition because he respects Duncan’s choice.
It causes Macbeth to abandon his plans of murder, thinking Malcolm will fail as a leader.
It leads Macbeth to seek Malcolm’s approval to become king.
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11 mark
Analyse Duncan’s leadership style in contrast to Macbeth’s. What is the most significant difference between their approaches to ruling?
Duncan rules through fear and intimidation, while Macbeth rules through compassion.
Duncan’s leadership is based on trust, while Macbeth’s is rooted in manipulation and violence.
Duncan is more cunning and strategic than Macbeth in consolidating power.
Duncan uses manipulation to control his subjects, while Macbeth relies on trust and loyalty.
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21 mark
In Act 1, Scene 6, Duncan praises the peacefulness of Macbeth’s castle. Explain how this scene illustrates the theme of appearance versus reality.
Duncan’s comments show that he is suspicious of Macbeth but is hiding it.
The pleasant appearance of the castle contrasts with Macbeth’s hidden intentions.
Duncan is unaware that Macbeth plans to promote him, creating dramatic irony.
Duncan is pretending to be friendly, but he is planning to imprison Macbeth.
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31 mark
Evaluate the role of ambition in Duncan’s murder. What is the most plausible reason that Macbeth decides to kill Duncan?
Macbeth believes Duncan needs to die before he discovers his secret dealings with the witches.
Macbeth is driven by Lady Macbeth’s ambition rather than his own and lacks agency.
Macbeth is driven by his ambition to become king and sees Duncan as an obstacle to power.
Macbeth kills Duncan to protect Banquo from the witches’ prophecies.
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41 mark
Think about Duncan’s inability to foresee betrayal. What is the most plausible flaw in Duncan’s character that contributes to his downfall?
His excessive ambition for power leads him to overlook Macbeth’s intentions.
His overwhelming trust in others blinds him to potential threats.
His desire for revenge against his enemies clouds his judgment.
His refusal to listen to his advisers causes his downfall.
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51 mark
How do Macbeth’s conflicted feelings about his plot to murder Duncan manifest most clearly?
He begins to lose sleep and withdraws from his duties as thane.
He avoids thinking about Duncan’s death and focuses on his plans to murder Banquo.
He hears an owl scream, and fears that the servants of his castle will reveal his guilt.
He sees a bloody dagger, pointing towards Duncan’s bedchamber, before he kills Duncan.
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