Question

Read the excerpt from Act 1, Scene 5 of "The Tragedy of Macbeth." Lady Macbeth is ranting at Macbeth because he has decided against their plan to murder the king. Lady Macbeth says, "When you durst do it then you were a man." Which best explains the intended effect when Lady Macbeth says this?

a) It explains the type of man she thinks Macbeth can be.
b) It implies that she thinks Macbeth is very manly.
c) It reveals the way others see Macbeth.
d) It challenges Macbeth’s manhood.

Answer 1

The correct answer is option d. Lady Macbeth's challenge to Macbeth's manhood is a manipulative tactic intended to coerce him into committing the murder of King Duncan, directly questioning his masculinity to provoke action.

Step-by-step explanation:

When Lady Macbeth challenges Macbeth's manhood by saying, "When you durst do it, then you were a man," in Act 1, Scene 5 of "The Tragedy of Macbeth," she is intentionally invoking a provocative and manipulative tactic intended to coerce him into following through with the murder of King Duncan.

This statement does not reflect on what type of man she believes he can be (Option A) or how others view him (Option C), as it is not meant to be a reflection of Macbeth's general character. Rather, it serves as a strategic provocation — it directly challenges Macbeth's manhood (Option D), implying that his willingness to do whatever is necessary, including murder, is a measure of his masculinity. It is worth noting that these manipulative techniques are also reflected later in the play, where guilt and ambition continue to drive the characters' actions and contribute to their eventual downfall.