Macbeth's use of metonymy in the underlined text refers to his childless state, emphasizing the symbolic barrenness of the crown and sceptre without heirs to inherit his title. Here option B is correct.
In the underlined text from Act 3, Scene 1 of "The Tragedy of Macbeth," Macbeth's use of metonymy refers to his childless state and the fact that he has no children to inherit his title.
The lines "Upon my head they plac'd a fruitless crown, And put a barren sceptre in my gripe" suggest that the crown (symbolizing kingship) and the sceptre (symbolizing power) Macbeth possesses are "fruitless" and "barren" because he has no heirs to succeed him.
The phrase "For Banquo's issue have I fil'd my mind" reinforces this idea, indicating Macbeth's preoccupation with Banquo's descendants inheriting the throne instead of his own.
This use of metonymy connects the crown and sceptre to the broader concept of Macbeth's legacy and lineage, highlighting his desperate desire for a lasting dynasty, which becomes a central theme in the play. Here option B is correct.
Complete question:
Read the passage from act 3, scene 1 of The Tragedy of Macbeth. Macbeth. Upon my head they plac'd a fruitless crown, And put a barren sceptre in my gripe, Thence to be wrench'd with an unlineal hand, No son of mine succeeding. If 't be so, For Banquo's issue have I fil'd my mind; For them the gracious Duncan have I murder'd; Put rancours in the vessel of my peace Only for them; and mine eternal jewel Given to the common enemy of man, To make them kings, the seed of Banquo kings!
What does Macbeth's use of metonymy in the underlined text refer to?
A - Macbeth's conscience, which makes him feel guilty for having killed Duncan to become king
B - Macbeth's childless state and the fact that he has no children to inherit his title
C - Macbeth's marriage to Lady Macbeth, which has become strained in the wake of the murder
D - Macbeth's desire to attain power at all costs, even if it means committing a crime