Question

which paradox do the witches suggest to macbeth?
select one:
a. no one born of a woman can harm him, but he should still beware macduff.
b. he should not speak to the apparitions, but the apparitions still want to hear his voice.
c. he should not worry until the woods come against him, but the woods have never harmed anyone.
d. the apparitions protect macduff, but he himself would do a better job of protecting macduff.

which best describes the first witchs tone toward macbeth when she speaks to him?
select one:
a. neutral and casual
b. sarcastic and pessimistic
c. focused and commanding
d. light-hearted and playful

Explanation:

For the first question: A paradox is a statement that seems contradictory but holds truth. The witches' message that no one born of a woman can harm Macbeth, yet he must beware Macduff, is contradictory on the surface—until it is revealed Macduff was not naturally born of a woman (he was delivered via cesarean section). The other options do not present a true paradox.
For the second question: In Macbeth, the first witch addresses Macbeth with a sharp, direct, and authoritative tone when delivering her prophecies, aiming to command his attention and manipulate him. This matches a focused and commanding tone, unlike the casual, sarcastic, or playful options.

Answer:

1. a. No one born of a woman can harm him, but he should still beware Macduff.
2. c. focused and commanding