Question

Read the excerpt from act 5, scene 8 of The Tragedy of Macbeth. Macduff has just killed Macbeth. The stage direction at the beginning of the excerpt has been expanded.

Re-enter MACDUFF, with MACBETH’S head in one hand and MACBETH’S crown and sword in the other.

Macduff. [To MALCOLM.] Hail, king! for so thou art: behold, where stands
The usurper’s cursed head: the time is free:
I see thee compass’d with thy kingdom’s pearl,
That speak my salutation in their minds;
Whose voices I desire aloud with mine:
Hail, King of Scotland!

All. Hail, King of Scotland!

What does the added stage direction most contribute to this scene?

A. a triumphant mood
B. a sense of unease
C. a feeling of contempt
D. a respectful tone

Answer 1

Answer: The added stage direction in the excerpt from Act 5, Scene 8 of The Tragedy of Macbeth contributes to a triumphant mood. The stage direction describes Macduff entering with Macbeth's head in one hand and Macbeth's crown and sword in the other, which suggests that he has successfully defeated the usurper and restored the rightful king to the throne. The declaration of "Hail, King of Scotland!" by both Macduff and the crowd reinforces this triumphant mood and indicates that the people of Scotland are happy to have Malcolm as their new king. Therefore, option A, a triumphant mood, is the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation: