Choose a description from COLUMN B that matches the name in COLUMN A - NSC English FAL - Question 3 - 2017 - Paper 2

Banquo could identify the women as witches because they exhibit unnatural features such as choppy fingers and skinny lips, along with their ability to predict the future, which are typical traits associated with witchcraft.

This phrase suggests that although Banquo himself will not ascend to the throne, his descendants will be kings. This sets up an important theme of legacy and ambition, highlighting a stark contrast between Banquo and Macbeth, who is overly ambitious and seeks immediate power.

The phrase becomes ironic as Macbeth's character deteriorates into tyranny and betrayal, contrasting sharply with Banquo's nobility and integrity. Ultimately, Banquo's suspicion and righteous demeanor serve as a foil to Macbeth's descent into moral corruption.

This statement is false because Banquo is depicted as more cautious and suspicious of the witches' predictions. Rather than being overjoyed, he is wary of the implications of Macbeth's newfound title and reflects on the mysterious nature of the witches.

The theme of appearance versus reality is a central element of the extract. The witches appear to be benevolent figures providing prophecies; however, their true intentions are deceptive and malevolent. Additionally, characters such as Macbeth begin to struggle with their ambitions and the façade they must maintain to achieve power, revealing the often stark difference between how things appear and their underlying truth.

Yes, the witches can be seen as contributors to the tragedy because they instigate Macbeth's ambition and set him on a path of destruction. Their prophecies provoke his latent desires for power, ultimately leading him to make choices that result in chaos and tragedy. Yet, it is important to recognize that Macbeth's choices are his own, influenced but not dictated by the witches.