Question

read the excerpt from act 4, scene 2 of the tragedy of macbeth. ross and lady macduff have just discussed macduffs flight from their kingdom, and ross is ending their conversation.

ross. i take my leave of you:
shall not be long but ill be here again:
things at the worst will cease, or else climb upward
to what they were before. to macduffs son. my pretty cousin,
blessing upon you!

how does the personification add to the hopeful mood of the excerpt?
○ by indicating that ross will actively help lady macduff
○ by describing how lady macduffs life is better than she thinks
○ by discussing why ross has come to invigorate lady macduff
○ by asserting that lady macduffs circumstances will improve

Explanation:

The personification is in the line "Things at the worst will cease, or else climb upward"—here, "things" (the dire circumstances) are given the human action of "climb upward," which frames hardship as capable of improving. This directly creates a hopeful mood by suggesting Lady Macduff's difficult situation will get better. The other options do not align: Ross does not offer active help, the line does not compare her life to her perceptions, nor does it explain his purpose to invigorate her.

Answer:

D. by asserting that Lady Macduff's circumstances will improve