Question

Malcolm, with this there grows in my most ill-composed affection such a stanchless avarice that, were I king, I should cut off the nobles for their lands, desire his jewels and this other’s house; and my more-having would be as a sauce to make me hunger more; that I should forge quarrels unjust against the good and loyal, destroying them for wealth. –The Tragedy of Macbeth, William Shakespeare. Read the passage. What does Malcolm mean when he says, "my more-having would be as a sauce / to make me hunger more"?

a. He would have an unlimited desire for good food.
b. Becoming rich is the only thing that would satisfy him.
c. Each thing that he possessed would make him even greedier.
d. Seeing what other people own would make him want to harm them.

Answer 1

Malcolm's statement, "my more-having would be as a sauce to make me hunger more," refers to the idea that acquiring more would only increase his greed. This self-reflection depicts his understanding of the corruptive nature of power and possessions. Option C is correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the passage from The Tragedy of Macbeth by William Shakespeare, Malcolm speaks metaphorically when he says, "my more-having would be as a sauce / to make me hunger more".

He suggests that the more he has, the greater his desire to have even more becomes, which reflects a deep self-awareness of potential for unending greed. Malcolm's reflection upon the nature of avarice implies that acquiring more possessions or power would only enhance his greed, as a sauce increases one's appetite.

This metaphor is crucial in understanding Malcolm's character and his musings on the corrupting nature of power and wealth. If Malcolm had unlimited power as king, he believes that it would not satisfy him—instead, it would only feed his greed and lead him to commit further injustices. Therefore, the correct option for what Malcolm means is c. Each thing that he possessed would make him even greedier, signaling his recognition of human susceptibility to temptation and corruption via power and possessions.