Final answer:
In 'The Tragedy of Macbeth', Act 3, Scene 4, the similes used by Macbeth to describe the ghost of Banquo create a frightening mood, revealing his terror and psychological distress.The correct answer is option (b).
Step-by-step explanation:
The excerpt from Act 3, Scene 4 of "The Tragedy of Macbeth" depicts a moment where Macbeth confronts the ghost of Banquo. In this intense scene, he uses similes, comparing the ghost's potential forms to a 'rugged Russian bear', an 'arm’d rhinoceros', or a 'Hyrcan tiger'.
Macbeth's use of these fierce animals in his similes helps to create a mood that is deeply frightening and unsettling. His desperation is evident as he pleads for the ghost to take any shape but the one it has assumed, indicating the extent of his terror and the psychological torment he is experiencing due to his guilt and fear of being discovered for Banquo's murder.
The correct answer to the question, which word best describes the mood the similes help create in this excerpt, is therefore (b) frightening.