Question

the excerpt from act 3, scene 4 of _the tragedy of macbeth_. macbeth has just learned that fleance escaped the murderers macbeth sent.
macbeth. then comes my fit again: i had else been perfect;
whole as the marble, founded as the rock
what does macbeth mean when he says, \i had else been perfect; / whole as the marble\?
○ macbeth is now cold and solid because he has plotted against his king and country.
○ macbeth feels like a well-rounded king until he hears the murderer speak.
○ macbeth reacts to the murderers bad news by freezing up like a statue.
○ macbeth is calm and confident until he learns that the attack on fleance failed.

Explanation:

Macbeth's line occurs right after he learns Fleance (Banquo's son, a threat to his throne) escaped the murderers. The phrase "whole as the marble" refers to his sense of security and perfection being shattered by this news—before hearing it, he felt calm, confident, and in full control of his hold on power.

Answer:

Macbeth is calm and confident until he learns that the attack on Fleance failed.