Question

read the excerpt from act 3, scene 2 of the tragedy of macbeth. in this scene, macbeth has sent the murderers after banquo, his former best friend. lady macbeth can tell that something is afoot, but macbeth refuses to explain except in riddles.
macbeth. come, seeling night,
scarf up the tender eye of pitiful day,
and with thy bloody and invisible hand
cancel and tear to pieces that great bond
which keeps me pale!
which word best describes the mood of this excerpt?
○ ashamed
○ lethargic
○ merciful
○ sinister

Explanation:

Macbeth has ordered the murder of his former best friend Banquo, and his lines call on night to hide violent, cruel acts. "Ashamed" does not fit as he shows no guilt here; "lethargic" is incorrect as he is intense and urgent; "merciful" is the opposite of his violent intent. "Sinister" (threatening, evil) matches the dark, menacing tone of his words and the murderous context.

Answer:

sinister