Question

read the excerpt from act 3, scene 2 of the tragedy of macbeth. macbeth is talking to lady macbeth about being tortured by nightmares. macbeth. better be with the dead, whom we, to gain our peace, have sent to peace, than on the torture of the mind to lie in restless ecstasy. what is the universal theme in this excerpt? ○ humanity’s search for meaning in the world ○ the consuming power of guilt ○ the relationship between violence and human nature ○ love’s power to change a person

Explanation:

In the excerpt, Macbeth is tormented by nightmares after committing violent acts (like murder). The lines show he'd rather be with the dead he sent there than endure the mental torture of guilt ("torture of the mind"). The other options don't fit: "humanity’s search for meaning" isn't addressed, "violence and human nature" focuses on nature of violence not guilt's effect, and "love’s power" is irrelevant. So the theme is guilt's consuming power.

Answer:

B. the consuming power of guilt