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 lists reasons not to kill Duncan (kinship, subject - loyalty, host - duty). In Excerpt 2 (though not fully shown), Macbeth's actions (killing Duncan) show the conflict between loyalty (reasons not to kill) and betrayal (killing) as well as the quest for power (driving him to overcome loyalty). Macbeth's descriptions of Duncan in Excerpt 1 highlight Duncan's virtues (meek, clear in office), which makes the betrayal (if he kills) more significant. The references to Duncan's murder (Excerpt 2, implied) show the act of betrayal. The other options (external conflict with Duncan - Duncan is not in conflict with Macbeth here; external conflict with guards - not relevant to the themes) are incorrect.

Answer:

through Macbeth's references to Duncan's murder