Question

In this excerpt from act 4, scene 1, Macbeth is reacting to

a vision the Weird Sisters have shown him. He sees a
procession of kings who look like Banquo's descendants.
The phrase "crack of doom" refers to the end of time.
Macbeth. [To Witches.] Why do you show me this?...
Start, eyes!
What, will the line stretch out to the crack of doom?
-The Tragedy of Macbeth,
William Shakespeare
Click to see a list of figurative language devices in PDF
or word-processing format.
Read the passage. What does Macbeth mean by the
hyperbole in the final line?
O It seems like Banquo's descendants will rule
forever.
It seems like Banquo's descendants will be
excellent kings.
O Despite what it seems, Banquo's descendants do
not upset him.
Despite what it seems, Banquo's descendants shall
never have power.

Answer 1

Macbeth uses a hyperbole to express his fear and concern over the possibility that Banquo's descendants will have power in the future.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the final line, Macbeth uses a hyperbole to express his fear and concern over the possibility that Banquo's descendants will have power in the future. The phrase 'crack of doom' is a metaphor for the end of time, suggesting that Macbeth believes this line of descendants will continue until the end of the world. Despite what it seems, Macbeth is disturbed by the idea that Banquo's descendants will hold power, as it threatens his own reign and belief in his succession.

Learn more about Macbeth's reaction to the vision shown by the Weird Sisters