In Act V in The Tragedy of Macbeth by William Shakespeare, how does one of Macbeth’s positive qualities contribute to the tragic
impulse revealed in the play? A: Macbeth shows mercy even though he is battling Macduff.
B: Macbeth shows cleverness even though the spirits have misled him.
C: Macbeth shows humility even though he has retained his crown.
D: Macbeth shows courage even though he is doomed.
The correct answer is D. Macbeth shows courage even though he is doomed.
Explanation: Macbeth believed he was invincible because the witches' prophecy specified that no man born of woman can harm him. However, Macduff begins to fight Macbeth and states that he is not woman born ("from his mother’s womb / Untimely ripped). Macbeth understands that he will be defeated but he refuses to surrender "[t]o kiss the ground before young Malcolm’s feet, / And to be baited with the rabble’s curse”.
