"The notes that follow refer specifically to the Cambridge GCE 'O' Level Exam, which is taken in November by Secondary 4 & 5 students doing Literature in English in Singapore and other countries."
"'Macbeth' will be examined in 1989 and 1990."
"The notes may also be useful to candidates preparing for other exams, or for exams at a different level."
" "
"By 'Context Question' teachers and examiners refer to the type of question which presents a short passage from the text, and then asks a series of questions based on that passage."
"In the 'O' Level exam, the Context Question is always the first question in the paper, and it is always worth 20% of the total marks."
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"This question demands a detailed knowledge of the text."
"Questions usually centre on:"
"* -understanding of words, phrases, imagery in the extract."
"* -knowledge of when and where the scene takes place."
"* -character attributes revealed in the extract."
"* -awareness of how parts of the extract relate to important plot and theme elements in the rest of the play."
"It is important to note the mark allocation for each part of the question, as this is a guide to the depth of the answer required. It is pointless to write a paragraph to answer a 1-mark question, when a few words would be enough."
"In the following screens there is a sample set of questions, followed by model answers."
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"*Sample Context Question"
"The passage on which the questions are based is the beginning of Act I, scene 4 - from line 1 to 47."
" "
"1 (a) Duncan mentions the execution of the Thane of Cawdor. In your own words, say what the Thane had done to deserve execution and what significance this has for Macbeth. (2 marks)"
"1 (b) '...we will establish our estate upon / Our eldest. Malcolm...' (lines 37-38) Explain the meaning of these words and say how they affect Macbeth. (2 marks)"
"1 (c) In line 14-21, Duncan praises Macbeth extravagantly. Briefly describe what Macbeth has done to deserve praise. (2 marks)"
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"*Sample Context Question (cont.)"
" "
"1 (d) Each of the following lines contains an example of irony. For each one, explain the meaning of the words AND say what the irony is. (6 marks)"
"* i. There's no art / To find the mind's construction in the face; (line 11-12)"
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"* ii. ...our duties / Are to your throne and state....doing everything / Safe toward your love and honour. (lines 24-27)"
"* iii. I'll ...make joyful / The hearing of my wife with your approach; (lines 45-46)"
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"1 (e) Duncan mentions stars (line 41). Immediately after this passage Macbeth also addresses the stars. State briefly what it is he says, and if possible quote some or all of his words. (4 marks)"
"1 (f) Find examples in Duncan's speech and behaviour here which could be said to lead to his own downfall later. (4 marks)"
" TOTAL 20"
" "
"*In answering context questions, try to keep close to the point - give exactly what you are asked for."
"*Remember to refer to the marks allotted, to discover how much detail is required."
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"*Context Answers"
" "
"*1 (a) The man who was Thane of Cawdor was a traitor. He had assisted the king of Norway, against King Duncan, and may have also helped the rebel forces."
"*The witches tell Macbeth that he will be Thane of Cawdor. When Duncan sentences the first Thane to death, he grants his title to Macbeth, fulfilling the prophecy."
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"*1 (b) The words mean 'Malcolm will be my heir, and next in line to the throne.' They affect Macbeth because now he cannot hope to come to the throne by honest means."
"*Even if Duncan dies, he will still not be King."
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"Context Answers"
" "
"*1 (c) Macbeth has led the king's forces, first against the rebel Macdonwald, whom he killed; then against the Norwegian invaders."
"*He showed great courage and determination and swayed the battles in Duncan's favour."
"*1 (d) i 'There is no way to find out what someone is thinking by their outward appearance.'"
"*This is ironic because Duncan is referring to the previous Thane of Cawdor, but the words are even more true about Macbeth, the present Thane, whom Duncan now trusts."
"*1 (d) ii 'A king's subjects have the duty to do all they possibly can to ensure his safety and well-being.'"
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"Context Answers"
" "
"*It is ironic because we know Macbeth is already having thoughts of murdering the king. The words are very insincere."
"*1 (d) iii 'I will tell my wife the good news that you are coming to stay at our castle.'"
"*It is ironic because we know that Macbeth is plotting evil against the king, and we suspect that Lady Macbeth will be happy because now they will have an opportunity to kill him."
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"*1 (e) Macbeth calls on the stars to go out, because his plans are so evil that they should not be seen."
"...Stars, hide your fires,/ Let not light see my black and deep desires;"
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"Context Answers"
" "
"*1 (f) Duncan admits that he is unable to know what someone is thinking. He has trusted a traitor, and perhaps he is too trusting, because he is now about to trust another - Macbeth."
"*He rewards Macbeth heavily. It may be that such an excess of gratitude encourages Macbeth to want even more - in this case, the crown."
"*Duncan weeps (lines 34-35). This may be seen as a sign of weakness in a king. His nature is almost too kind and too gentle; Macbeth can see him as an easy prey."
