Question

macbeth (act v, scene v):
tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow,
creeps in this petty pace from day to day,
to the last syllable of recorded time;
and all our yesterdays have lighted fools
the way to dusty death. out, out, brief candle!
lifes but a walking shadow, a poor player
that struts and frets his hour upon the stage
and then is heard no more: it is a tale
told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
signifying nothing.
part a: how does macbeths tone in this speech reveal a change in his
character?
a he expresses regret and despair about the meaningless passage of
time.
b he reveals excitement at the prospect of death and rebirth.
c he feels fear and guilt about his past actions being discovered.
d he shows pride in his achievements and confidence in his future.
part b: explain the context of his soliloquy to understand his tone in part a?

Explanation:

In Macbeth's soliloquy, words like "petty pace", "dusty death", "brief candle", "walking shadow", and "signifying nothing" convey a sense of despair and meaninglessness. There is no indication of excitement (B), fear of discovery (C), or pride/confidence (D). The context is Macbeth facing the consequences of his actions (like killing Duncan, paranoia, loss of loved ones), realizing the emptiness of his pursuit of power.

Answer:

A. He expresses regret and despair about the meaningless passage of time.