Question

excerpt 1: read the excerpt from act 1, scene 7 of the tragedy of macbeth. macbeth is speaking to himself and listing the reasons he should not kill duncan.
macbeth. hes here in double trust:
first, as i am his kinsman and his subject,
strong both against the deed; then, as his host,
who should against his murderer shut the door,
not bear the knife myself. besides, this duncan
hath borne his faculties so meek, hath been
so clear in his great office, that his virtues
will plead like angels trumpet-tongud against
the deep damnation of his taking-off;
and pity, like a naked new-born babe,
striding the blast, or heavens cherubin, horsd
upon the sightless couriers of the air
excerpt 2: read the excerpt from act 2, scene 3 of the tragedy of macbeth. macbeth, who has murdered duncan, is describing why he has just killed the sleeping
how does shakespeare most develop the universal themes the conflict between loyalty and betrayal and the quest for power in these excerpts?
through macbeths descriptions of duncan
through macbeths references to duncans murder
through the external conflict between macbeth and duncan
through the external conflict between macbeth and the guards

Explanation:

In Excerpt 1, Macbeth describes Duncan as his kinsman, subject, and a virtuous ruler. This shows his loyalty conflict (as he's considering betraying a good and trusted figure). The description of Duncan's virtues also ties into the power - quest theme as Macbeth is weighing the moral cost (related to loyalty) against the potential gain of power (by killing the king). In Excerpt 2 (though not fully shown, but based on the context of Macbeth's actions after Excerpt 1), Macbeth's references to Duncan's murder (and his subsequent actions like killing the guards) further explore the betrayal (against loyalty) for the sake of power. The other options are incorrect: the external conflicts (between Macbeth and Duncan or Macbeth and the guards) are not the main way the themes are developed. The themes are more about Macbeth's internal struggle (shown through his descriptions and references) rather than external conflicts.

Answer:

through Macbeth's descriptions of Duncan and through Macbeth's references to Duncan's murder