HL Past Exam Questions


Higher Level – Past Exam Questions 2014


(i) ‘Macbeth’s relationships with other characters can be seen primarily as power struggles which prove crucial to the outcome of the play.’


Discuss the above statement in relation to at least two of Macbeth’s relationships with other characters. Support your answer with suitable reference to the play, Macbeth. OR


(ii) ‘Throughout the play, Macbeth, Shakespeare makes effective use of a variety of dramatic techniques that evoke a wide range of responses from the audience.’ Discuss this view with reference to at least two dramatic techniques used by Shakespeare in the play. Support your answer with suitable reference to the text.


2013 Sample Answer on page 182


(i) ‘The variety of significant insights that we gain into Macbeth’s mind proves critical in shaping our understanding of his complex character.’ Discuss this view, supporting your answer with suitable reference to the play, Macbeth. OR


(ii) ‘Shakespeare makes effective use of disturbing imagery in the play, Macbeth.’ Discuss this statement, supporting your answer with suitable reference to the text.


2009


(i) ‘Macbeth’s murder of Duncan has horrible consequences both for Macbeth himself and for Scotland.’ Write a response to this statement. You should refer to the play in your answer. OR


(ii) ‘Macbeth has all the ingredients of compelling drama.’ Write a response to this statement, commenting on one or more of the ingredients, which, in your opinion, make Macbeth a compelling drama.


2007 OR


(ii) ‘Essentially the play Macbeth is about power, its use and abuse.’ Discuss this view of the play, supporting your answer with the aid of suitable reference to the text


2004


(i) ‘Shakespeare’s Macbeth invites us to look into the world of a man driven on by ruthless ambition and tortured by regret.’ Write a response to this view of the play, Macbeth, supporting the points you make by reference to the text.


OR


(ii) ‘The play, Macbeth, has many scenes of compelling drama.’ Choose one scene that you found compelling and say why you found it to be so. Support your answer by reference to the play.


180 Sample Answer on page 184


(i) ‘The relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth undergoes significant change during the course of the play.’ Discuss this statement supporting your answer with the aid of suitable reference to the text.


Macbeth


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