Macbeth - the June 2023 AQA GCSE Question
Here’s the official AQA GCSE Literature question for Macbeth from June 2023. If you’re looking for help with the play, check out our complete revision course here:
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THE QUESTION
Read the following extract from Act 5 Scene 3 of Macbeth and then answer the question that follows. At this point in the play, Macbeth hears that the English army is approaching and asks the Doctor for a report about Lady Macbeth.
MACBETH
Seyton! – I am sick at heart,
When I behold – Seyton, I say! – this push
Will cheer me ever or disseat me now.
I have lived long enough. My way of life
Is fall’n into the sere, the yellow leaf,
And that which should accompany old age,
As honour, love, obedience, troops of friends,
I must not look to have; but in their stead,
Curses, not loud but deep, mouth-honour, breath
Which the poor heart would fain deny, and dare not. Seyton!
Enter SEYTON
SEYTON What’s your gracious pleasure?
MACBETH What news more?
SEYTON All is confirmed, my lord, which was reported.
MACBETH
I’ll fight till from my bones my flesh be hacked.
Give me my armour.
SEYTON ’Tis not needed yet.
MACBETH
I’ll put it on;
Send out more horses; skirr the country round.
Hang those that talk of fear. Give me mine armour.
How does your patient, doctor?
DOCTOR
Not so sick, my lord,
As she is troubled with thick-coming fancies
That keep her from her rest.
MACBETH
Cure her of that.
Canst thou not minister to a mind diseased,
Pluck from the memory a rooted sorrow,
Raze out the written troubles of the brain,
And with some sweet oblivious antidote
Cleanse the stuffed bosom of that perilous stuff
Which weighs upon the heart?
Starting with this conversation, explore how far Shakespeare presents Macbeth as a male character who changes during the play. Write about:
• How Shakespeare presents Macbeth in this conversation
• How far Shakespeare presents Macbeth as a male character who changes in the play. [30 marks] AO4 [4 marks]
Link to the full paper: https://pmt.physicsandmathstutor.com/download/English-Literature/GCSE/Past-Papers/AQA/Paper-1/QP/June%202023%20QP.pdf
Thanks for reading!
If you’re looking for full support with the play, check out our complete revision course! This course contains everything you need to get top marks in exams - a full breakdown of plot, characters, form, structure and language, key quotes, themes, context, example questions, student essays, mark scheme breakdown + more!
