ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

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FAMOUS PLAYWRIGHT POET AND OTHERS

MACBETH

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
In Greek mythology, gorgons were hideous creatures whose one glance could turn any mortal man to solid stone. In Scene 3, line 74, why does Macduff most likely compared the sight of the murdered Duncan to a Gorgon?
A
The sight is horribly frightening.
B
Gorgons used to kill kings.
C
Macduff thinks Macbeth is guilty.
D
The body is stonelike.
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -In classical mythology, a Gorgon was a female creature, like Medusa, who was so hideous that just looking at her would cause you to go blind. With this mythological reference, Macduff is saying that the sight of Duncan’s murdered corpse is so horrific it might cause Lennox to go blind.

Detailed explanation-2: -Act 2: Scene 3 This is an allusion to Satan, also called Beelzebub, or one of the seven princes of Hell.

Detailed explanation-3: -Macduff refers to the scene in Duncan’s bedroom as “the new Gorgon.” The Gorgon is a classical allusion that refers to the monster Medusa, who turned anyone who looked on her face to stone. Macduff is emphasizing the horror of the murder scene by using this metaphor.

Detailed explanation-4: -Shakespeare is alluding to a well known account describing how Tarquin stole through the palace in the middle of the night to forcefully “ravish” the noblewoman, Lucrece, an atrocity that triggered his overthrow. Shakespeare personifies murder as Tarquin sneaking toward his victim.

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