Question

1.1.8 quiz: analyze how shakespeare develops character
you wait on natures mischief. come, thick night,
and pall thee in the dunnest smoke of hell,
that my keen knife see not the wound it makes,
nor heaven peep through the blanket of the dark
to cry \hold, hold!\
—william shakespeare, macbeth, act i, scene v
what characteristics would you most associate with lady macbeth after reading this speech?
a. honor and sacrifice
b. anger and powerlessness
c. ambition and cruelty
d. sadness and despair

Explanation:

In this speech from Macbeth, Lady Macbeth calls for night to hide her actions (like the planned murder) and asks that her "keen knife" not see the wound it makes, nor heaven interfere. This shows her desire for power (ambition) and her willingness to commit cruel acts (cruelty). Option A is incorrect as there's no honor or sacrifice here. Option B is wrong because she's not powerless—she's plotting. Option D is incorrect as the tone is not sad or despairing but rather scheming and ruthless.

Answer:

C. Ambition and cruelty