Question

interpreting figurative language
in this excerpt, \malevolence\ means \cruelty,\ and \fortune\ refers to fate or chance. the \son of duncan\ is malcolm.
lord. the son of duncan,
from whom this tyrant holds the due of birth
lives in the english court, and is received
of the most pious edward with such grace
that the malevolence of fortune nothing
takes from his high respect
-the tragedy of macbeth,
william shakespeare
read the passage. what does the speaker mean by the words \the malevolence of fortune nothing / takes from his high respect\?
○ malcolms suffering is going to bring bad luck to macbeth.
○ malcolms suffering has caused edward to treat him poorly.
○ malcolms suffering will lead to more bad things happening to him.
○ malcolms suffering has not reduced edwards good opinion of him.

Explanation:

First, use the provided definitions: "malevolence" = cruelty, "fortune" = fate/chance, and "son of Duncan" = Malcolm. The line states that even the cruel misfortune (suffering) Malcolm faces does not take away from the high respect he receives from King Edward. We analyze each option:

1. The first option is incorrect because the line does not mention Macbeth's luck.
2. The second option is wrong because the text says Edward receives Malcolm with "such grace," not poorly.
3. The third option is incorrect as the line does not predict more harm for Malcolm.
4. The fourth option matches: Malcolm's suffering (malevolence of fortune) has not lessened Edward's good opinion (high respect) of him.

Answer:

D. Malcolm's suffering has not reduced Edward's good opinion of him.