Question

read lines 39–43 from passage 1.
macbeth
then live, macduff; what need i fear of thee?
but yet i’ll make assurance double sure
and take a bond of fate. thou shalt not live,
that i may tell pale - hearted fear it lies,
and sleep in spite of thunder.
macbeth’s use of the underlined rhetorical question suggests that he —

• is doubtful of the apparition’s prophecy
• is confused by the apparition’s strange words
• is confident that he is safe from macduff
• is trying to convince himself not to be afraid of macduff

Explanation:

A rhetorical question is used to make a point, not to get an answer. The underlined question "what need I fear of thee?" from Macbeth implies he sees no reason to fear Macduff, showing confidence in his safety from Macduff. The other options: "doubtful of prophecy" doesn't fit as he later acts to ensure safety but the question shows confidence, not doubt; "confused by words" is incorrect as the question is assertive, not confused; "trying to convince himself" is off as the tone is confident, not self - reassuring.

Answer:

C. is confident that he is safe from Macduff