Question

Excerpt 1: read the excerpt from act 4, scene 2 of the tragedy of Macbeth... How does the universal theme "the abuse of power" relate to the universal theme "the loss of innocence" in these excerpts?

Options:
a) Lady Macduff realizes that malicious acts against the innocent are now commonplace.
b) The messenger suggests that innocent people are more important than powerful people.
c) Lady Macduff wishes she were more ruthless so she could have more power.
d) The messenger uses his position and power to frighten Lady Macduff and her little ones.

Answer 1

In 'The Tragedy of Macbeth,' Lady Macduff's realization that evil acts against innocents are now common links the abuse of power to the loss of innocence, particularly manifest in her character and circumstances.

Step-by-step explanation:

The universal theme of the abuse of power relates to the loss of innocence through the destructive actions of powerful figures, resulting in tragic consequences for innocent characters. In Act 4, Scene 2 of The Tragedy of Macbeth, we can observe these themes through Lady Macduff's realization that innocent people like her and her children are susceptible to malicious acts, which are now sadly commonplace due to the tyrannical behavior of Macbeth. Thus, the most fitting answer to how the excerpts relate to both the themes of power abuse and loss of innocence is:

a) Lady Macduff realizes that malicious acts against the innocent are now commonplace.

This option directly connects the wrongful exercise of Macbeth's power to the consequences suffered by characters who have not tainted themselves with such ambitions, like Lady Macduff and her children.