Class 11 RAPID READER(William Shakespeare's Play)

Macbeth

Short Answer Type (Mark 1)

1. Who was the king of Scotland? 

Ans: Duncan.

2. Why could Lady Macbeth not murder King Duncan?

Ans: Because, Duncan resembled her father.

3. Why was Macduff never born of a woman?

Ans: Because, he was ultimately taken out from his mother's 

womb.

4. Who was the Thane of Fife?

Ans: Macduff 

5. The first witch saluted Macbeth with the title of –

Ans: Thane of Glamis 

6. The second witch saluted Macbeth with the title of –

Ans: Thane of Cawdor

7. Who first thought of murdering Duncan?

Ans: Lady Macbeth 

8. Duncan was sleeping with –

Ans: two grooms 

9. The name of Macbeth’s Castle was –

Ans: inverness 

10. Who killed Banquo?

Ans: hired assassins 

11. Write the names of Duncan's sons.

Ans: Malcolm and Donalbain 

12. After the murder of Duncan, Malcolm fled to –

Ans: English Court / England 

13. After the murder of Duncan, Donalbain fled to –

Ans: Ireland 

14. The prophesies of witches deeply influenced the mind of 

–

Ans: Macbeth

15. The name of Banquo’s son was –

Ans: Fleance

16. Macbeth was finally confronted by –

Ans: Macduff 

17. Macbeth was originally The Thane of –

Ans: Glamis 

18. The right heir to the Throne of Scotland after Duncan's 

death was –

Ans: Malcolm 

19. The witches predicted about Banquo –

Ans: his Successors would be the kings.

20. Ultimately Duncan was killed by –

Ans: Macbeth

21. When Macbeth was returning after his victory, he was 

stopped by –

Ans: three witches 

22. Macbeth employed murderers to kill –

Ans: Banquo and Fleance

23. The witches look like –

Ans: unearthly creatures

24. The second spirit looked to Macbeth as –

Ans: a bloody child

25. ‘Macbeth’ is originally a –

Ans: play

26. The movement of Birnam wood was –

Ans: a camouflage 

27. The first spirit arose in the likeness of a/an –

Ans: armed head 

28. The first spirit warned Macbeth to –

Ans: be aware of Thane of Fife

29. The second spirit told Macbeth –

Ans: to have no fear, for none born of woman can kill him.

Long Question and ANSWER

1. How Macbeth gradually became a villain?

Ans: Macbeth was the general of Army of Scotland. He was a brave and bold general. He had won the respect and honour of all by his heroic deeds but this hero became a villain very soon. The predictions of the witches encouraged him to murder King Duncan. He murdered his King to become the king himself. But the sense of guilt made him frightful. He started killing all the good men whom he suspected in anyway.Banquo was killed in this way.Macbeth did not stop here. He slaughtered Macduff’s wife and children. He became an open tyrant and terror for the people of his country.This is how he became a villain.

2. Sketch the character of Lady Macbeth.

Or, 

How did lady Macbeth die? Was she responsible for Macbeth’s doom(सर्वनाश)?

Or,

Why is Lady Macbeth called the 'fourth witch'?

Ans: Lady Macbeth is an important character of the story ‘Macbeth’. It is she who determines the course of action in the story. Lady Macbeth is an ambitious woman who is born to rule. She is a wise woman whose goal is to see her husband on the Throne of Scotland. She has no love for the country or the countrymen. She has no interest in the welfare of anyone outside herself. She thinks of power and position only.Lady Macbeth stimulates her husband's mind to such an extent that he finally murders King Duncan. But a sense of guilt torments her. She walks and talks in sleep. She is unable to bear the remorse(पश्चाताप)of her guilt(अपराध),so she commits suicide.Overall, we see that she has also prepared the ground of Macbeth’s fall.

3. What did each of the three witches predict to Macbeth when he first met them? What did they tell Banquo?

Or,

 Bring out the significance of the opening scene of Macbeth?

Ans: Macbeth and Banquo were the two Scottish generals. They were returning from a great battle. On the way, they were stopped by three witches. Each of them predicted something to Macbeth by saluting and addressing him with something. The first witch saluted him with the title of ‘Thane of Glamis’. The second witch addressed him as ‘the Thane of Cawdor’. The third witch predicted that he would be the next king of Scotland. These were the false prophesies. The three witches told Banquo that he would never be a king of Scotland but his successors would be the kings. They told him in a riddling term that he would be “lesser than Macbeth and greater, not so happy but much happier.”Thus the opening scene of Macbeth creates the main background of the story.

4. What was the mystery behind the moving of Birnam woods? 

Ans: Macbeth was told by the three spirits that he could never be defeated until Birnam woods would move to Dunsinane Hills. Macbeth thought that his defeat was impossible because the movement of Birnam wood was not possible.But when the battle began, he observed that Birnam wood was moving. The mystery behind the moving of Birnam wood was that the English soldiers advanced carrying branches of the trees to hide themselves. Malcolm had instructed his soldiers to do so. They had cut these branches from the trees in Birnam woods. Actually the Birnam woods did not move but the branches of the trees moved when the soldiers advanced forward hiding themselves with the branches of the trees and it looked as if the Birnam woods moved.

5. Why did Macbeth feel that his last hold of confidence was 

gone? What did he do then?

Or,

What did Macbeth realize at last about the witches and spirits?Did Macbeth wish to fight with Macduff after knowing the truth about him?

Ans: Macbeth thought that no one born of woman could kill him.But Macduff revealed that he was never born of woman naturally and was ultimately taken out from his mother’s womb. At this Macbeth felt that his last hold of confidence and all his strength were gone. His false belief that none could hurt him was destroyed by the words of Macduff.When Macbeth’s last hold of confidence was gone, he blamed the witches and declined to fight with Macduff.But when Macduff expressed his intention to make a show of him then, Macbeth refused to surrender.He decided to fight till the end.At last, Macbeth was beheaded by Macduff. 

6. Why did Macbeth want to murder Banquo and his son? 

How was Banquo murdered?

Ans: The witches foretold that Macbeth would be the king, but the children of Banquo would be the kings after Macbeth.This thought upset Macbeth and his wife.So they determined to kill both Banquo and his son to nullify the prediction of the weird witches.Macbeth invited both Banquo and his sons to his palace. Macbeth appointed murderers to kill Banquo and his son Fleance when they were going to Macbeth’s palace.The plan was not totally successful.The murderers killed Banquo but his son managed to escape.

Othello

 

The comedy of errors

Some important MCQ questions and answers 

1)'' I am like a drop of water in the ocean''-- Who said this? - - - Antipholus younger.

2) Antipholus younger was a - - Merchant.

3) The elder Domio's wife was - - Dowsabel.

4)As ransom of his life Ageon was demanded of - - one thousand mark.

5) the elder antipholus lived at ephesus for-- 20 years.

6) Ageon was The Merchant of - - Syracuse.

7) ageon was separated from his wife because-- they met with a violent Storm.

8)'' the comedy of errors'' is a - - comedy.

9) Ageon took his wife to - - Epidamnum.

10) Ageon was bound to stay in Epidamnum for - - 6 months.

the

11) Ageon's wife along with two children was rescued by-- fishermen.

12) the fishermen where from - - Corinth.

13) Ageon lost his younger son-- 7 years ago.

14) the name of the younger slave was-- Dromio.

15) elder antipholus was married to-- Adriana.

16) the younger sister of adrianna was-- Luciana.

17) the lady Abbess was actually the wife of-- Ageon.

18) the comedy of errors is set in the city of-- ephesus.

19) Antipholus of Syracuse Mary-- Luciana.

20) the lady with whom, elder antipholus dined , gave him-- a ring.

Comedy of Errors – Questions and Answers(S.A.Q.), Class 11, WBCHSE

(Multiple choice question can be easily covered with the following questions and answers)

1)What are the two enemy states mentioned in the play ‘Comedy of Errors’?

Ans. Syracuse and Ephesus

2)What would happen if any merchant of Syracuse was seen in Ephesus?

Ans. He would be put to death or pay thousand marks as a ransom.

3)Where did Aegeon belong to?

Ans. Syracuse

4)Where was Aegeon discovered?

Ans. In the street of Ephesus.

5)Who asked Aegeon to tell the story of his life?

Ans. The Duke of Ephesus.

6)Where was Aegeon forced to go after marriage?

Ans. Epidamnum.

7)Who were called Antipholus?

Ans. The twin sons of Aegeon.

8)Why did Aegeon buy the twins of a poor woman?

Ans. To attend his sons.

9)What was the cause of the shipwreck?

Ans. Violent storm.

10)Who took care of the elder ones at the time of shipwreck?

Ans. The wife of Aegeon.

11)Who rescued the wife of Aegeon and the elder ones?

Ans. Fishermen.

12)What are names of twin slaves?

Ans. Dromio.

13)Who saved the life of Aegeon?

Ans. The sailors.

14)At which age did Younger Antipholus want to search his mother and brother?

Ans. At eighteen years.

15)How many years did Aegeon wait for Younger Antipholus and slave Dromio to return home?

Ans. Seven years.

16)How many years did Aegeon search for them afterthat?

Ans. Five years.

17)Why did the Duke give Aegeon one day more?

Ans. To pay the fine by begging or borrowing money from someone.

18)Why could not Aegeon hope to get any help from someone?

Ans. As nobody knew him at Ephesus.

19)Which identity did Antipholus of Syracuse take to avoid punishment.

Ans. Merchant of Epidamnum.

20)Who advised  him to assume the identity?

Ans. A friend of Younger Antipholus.

21)Where had Elder Antipholus lived?

 Ans. At Ephesus.

22)For how many years had Elder Antipholus been living there?

Ans. For 20 years.

23)Who sold Elder Antipholus and Elder Dromio after the shipwreck?

Ans. The fishermen.

24)Whom did they sell to?

Ans. To the Duke Menaphon.

25)Who was Menaphon?

Ans. Uncle  of the Duke of Ephesus

26)Who made Elder Antipholus an officer in the army?

Ans. The Duke of Ephesus.

27)How did Elder Antipholus establish himself at Ephesus?

Ans. As a brave warrior.

28)Who was Adriana?

Ans. A rich lady of Ephesus and wife of Elder Antipholus.

29)Where did Younger Antipholus  intend to dine?

Ans. In an inn.

30)Why did Younger Antipholus come to Ephesus?

Ans. To search his mother and brother.

31)Who was allowed freedom of speech by Younger Antipholus?

Ans. Younger Dromio.

32)Who compared himself like drop of water in the ocean?

Ans. Younger Antipholus.

33) Who came out in search of Elder Antipholus?

Ans. Elder Dromio.

34)Why did Elder Dromio search for him?

Ans. For dinner.

35)Why was Younger Antipholus surprised to hear that his mistress was waiting for him for dinner?

Ans. As he was not married yet.

36)Why did Younger Antipholus lose all patient and beat Elder Dromio?

Ans. On hearing his mistress from Elder Dromio again and again.

37)Why did Adriana get furious?

Ans. On hearing her husband’s refusal to acknowledge her.

38)Who is Luciana?

And. Adriana’s sister.

39)What did Adriana think of her husband?

Ans. He was in love with another lady.

40)Why did Adriana come to the inn?

Ans. To take her husband home.

41)With whom did Younger Antipholus dine in his brother’s house?

Ans. Adriana and Luciana.

42)Who was the cookmaid in Adriana’s house?

Ans. Elder Dromio’s wife.

43)What was her name?

Ans. Dowsabel.

44)Who did not allow Elder Antipholus and Elder Dromio inside the house?

Ans. The servants.

45)Why did not the servants allow them?

Ans. As their mistress ordered them not to allow anyone.

46)Whom was Younger Antipholus attracted to?

Ans. Luciana.

47)Who gave Younger Antipholus a gold-chain?

Ans. A goldsmith.

48)Why did the goldsmith give the goldchain to Younger Antipholus?

Ans.As Elder Antipholus ordered him to do so.

49) Why was the goldsmith arrested?

Ans. As  he did not pay the debts.

50) Why was Elder Antipholus arrested?

Ans. As he refused to pay for the goldchain.

51) Who was sent to Adriana to take money  for avoiding arrest?

Ans. Younger Dromio.

52)To whom did Younger Dromio give the money that he brought from Adriana?

Ans. To Younger Antipholus.

53)With whom did Elder Antipholus dine when he was denied admittance into the house?

Ans. With another lady.

54)Why did Elder Antipholus resolve to dine with another lady?

Ans.To take avenge of his insult the previous night.

55)What did Elder Antipholus promise to present the lady?

Ans. The goldchain.

56)What did the lady give Elder Antipholus?

Ans. A ring.

57)Who came to Adriana to tell about her husband’s lunacy?

Ans. The lady with whom Elder Antipholus dined.

58)Who decided to pay the goldchain for the second time?

Ans. Adriana.

59)Where was Elder Antipholus ordered to bind in?

Ans. In a dark room.

60)Why was Elder Dromio considered mad?

Ans. As he confirmed what his master had said.

61)Who reported that Antipholus and Dromio had broken loose from captivity and seen roaming  in the streets?

Ans. A servant.

62)Where did Younger Antipholus and Younger Dromio run to save themselves from Adriana?

Ans. To a convent.

63)Whom did they beg for shelter?

Ans. To a abbess.

64)What according to the abbess was the reason of Antipholus’s madness?

Ans. Adriana’s jealous temper and her continuous brawls with her husband.

65)Where was the execution to be taken place?

Ans. Near the convent.

66)Why did the Duke attend the place of execution?

Ans. To pardon Aegeon if anyone would come forward to pay the fine.

67)Why did Elder Antipholus demand justice from the Duke?

Ans. As he was unjustly confined on the charge of lunacy by Adriana.

68)Why did Elder Antipholus refuse to pay the fine to save Aegeon’s life?

Ans. As he could not recognize his father.

69)Who was actually the abbess of the convent?

Ans. The wife of Aegeon.

70)Who was married to Younger Antipholus at last?

Ans. Luciana.

As You Like It

 Questions and Answers (L.A.Q.), Class 11, WBCHSE

1)How was the banished Duke’s life in the Forest of Arden? [5] [Annual Exam. = 2015]

Ans. The banished Duke lived a happy life in the Forest of Arden with his followers. They got accustomed to a lazy life in the forest. They felt more relaxing than the life of a court. In summer they took shelter under the shed of trees and watched the playful sports of the deer. In winter they suffered from the cold winds but the Duke realized that they were the true counsellors. They did not flatter like men. The Duke learnt how to use the adversities of the forest like medicine extracted from the head of a poisonous toad. He got lessons from nature – he found tongues in trees, books in streams, sermons in stones and good in everything.

2)Who were the two participants in the wrestling match? Whom did Celia and Rosalind try to dissuade? What was the result? [2+1+2 = 5] [Annual Exam. = 2014]

Ans. The two participants of the wrestling match were Orlando and a practiced wrestler.

Celia and Rosalind tried to dissuade Orlando from the wrestling match.

Rosalind and Celia tried to change Orlando’s mind from the imminent fight. But Orlando became more determined to prove his valour in front of the ladies. The words of the ladies worked wonder. He defeated his opponent quite surprisingly.

3)How did Rosalind win Orlando’s heart? [5] [Annual Exam. = 2017]

Ans. When an uneven wrestling match was arranged between a practised wrestler and an inexperience young man, Celia and Rosalind tried to dissuade the young man from it. During the conversation with Orlando, Rosalind came to know that he had none in this wide world to lament over him. Rosalind felt an inclination towards him and almost fell in love. The words of the ladies worked wonder. Surprising all, he won the bout. When the real identity of Orlando was disclosed that he was the son of Rowland de Boys, her father’s best friend, Rosalind was extremely glad. She consoled him with kind words. She gave a chain from her neck as a token of love. In this way, Rosalind won the heart of Orlando.

4)Why was Oliver proved an unworthy brother? Why did Oliver wish to destroy Orlando? [3+2 = 5] [Annual Exam. = 2020]

Ans. At the time of death, Sir Rowland de Boys requested his elder son Oliver to bring up his brother with proper care. But Oliver neglected his responsibilities and did not even educate his brother in a school. So, he proved himself as an unworthy brother.

Oliver was jealous of his brother as Orlando grew up to be a fine man without proper care. That was why Oliver wanted to destroy Orlando. It was Oliver who had arranged for the uneven wrestling match.

5)How did Adam prove his loyalty towards his master? [5] [Annual Exam. = 2016]

Ans. Adam was an old and faithful servant of Sir Rowland de Boys. He had a special affection for Orlando as he resembled his father. He overheard that Oliver had devised a plan to burn his brother Orlando at the time of sleep. He instantly warned Orlando of the impending danger and advised him to flee from there. He helped him with gold amounting to five hundred crowns. He also requested him to take him on the journey so that he could serve him. In this way, Adam proved his loyalty towards his master.

 questions and answers(S.A.Q.)

(Multiple Choice Question can be easily covered with the following questions and answers)

1)What was the Province  called in France?

 Ans – Dukedom.

 2)Who banished the lawful duke?

Ans –His younger brother, Duke Fredrick.

3)Who was the usurper ?

Ans – Duke Fredrick.

4) Who was Rosalind ?

Ans – The daughter of the banished Duke.

5)Where did the Duke take shelter?

Ans – In the Forest of Arden.

6)How did the duke and his followers live in the  forest?

Ans – Like Robin Hood of England.

7)Who was Celia?

Ans – Daughter of Duke Fredrick.

8)What are the effects of  adversities upon the Duke in the forest?

Ans – Moralistic effect.

9)Did the discord between the two Dukes affect the sweet relationship Rosalind and Celia?

Ans – No.

10)What made Rosalind sad/melancholy?

Ans – Her father’s banishment.

11)Between whom  did the wrestling match take place?

Ans – Between Orlando and a practiced wrestler.

12)Who is the winner of the match?

Ans – Orlando.

13)Who entreated Orlando to dissuade from the fighting?

Ans – First Celia, then Rosalind.

14)Who felt most for Orlando?

Ans – Rosalind.

15)Who was displeased with Orlando?

Abs – Duke  Fredrick.

16)What was the cause of his displeasure?

Ans – As Orlando was  the son of Rowland the Boys.

17)What did Rosalind give Orlando as a gift?

Ans – A chain.

18)Who arranged the wrestling match?

Ans – Oliver.

19)Who took the name of Ganymede?

Ans – Rosalind.

20)Who disguised  herself as Aliena?

Ans – Celia.

21)Where did Rosalind and Celia took shelter?

Ans – In the Forest of Arden.

22) What did they take with them?

Ans –       Money and jewels                                     

23)What did Rosalind and Celia buy in the Forest of Arden?

Ans – A house and sheep of a shepherd.

24)Who planned to kill Orlando?

 Ans – Oliver.

25)Who was the old servant of Rowland de Boys?

Ans – Adam.

26)Who informed Orlando of his murder plan by Oliver?

Ans – Adam.

27)Who helped Orlando with five hundred crowns?

Ans – Adam.

28)Who demanded food from the Duke?

Ans – Orlando.

29)Who wrote the love poems on the bark of the trees?

Ans – Orlando.

30)To whom were the sonnets addressed?

Ans – Rosalind.

31)Who wished to cure Orlando of his love –sickness?

Ans – Ganymede

32)Who saved Oliver from venomous snake and hungry lioness?

Ans – Orlando.

33)What was the real reason of Rosalind’s coming to the forest?

Ans – To find out of her father.

34)What happened to Gagymede on hearing the wounds of Orlando?

Ans – She fainted.

35)Whom did Orlando invite on the occasion of the wedding of Oliver and Aliena?

Ans – The Duke.

36)Who promised to bring Rosalind before Orlando by her special magical power?

Ans – Ganymede.

37)Who changed the mind of the Duke Fredrick when he came to the forest?

Ans – A hermit.

38)Who informed the Duke that his dukedom was restored for him?

Ans – A messenger.

39)Where did the transformed Duke wish to spend his remaining life?

Ans – In a religious house.

40)What kind of comedy is As You Like It?

Ans – A romantic comedy   /  a pastoral comedy.