Read the following extract from Act 3 scene 2 of Macbeth and then answer the question that follows.
At this point in the play Macbeth has arranged the killing of Banquo and is reflecting on the killing of Duncan.
MACBETH
15We have scorched the snake, not killed it.
She’ll close and be herself whilst our poor malice
Remains in danger of her former tooth.
But let the frame of things disjoint, both the worlds suffer,
Ere we will eat our meal in fear, and sleep
20In the affliction of these terrible dreams
That shake us nightly. Better be with the dead,
Whom we, to gain our peace, have sent to peace,
Than on the torture of the mind to lie
In restless ecstasy. Duncan is in his grave.
25After life’s fitful fever he sleeps well.
Treason has done his worst; nor steel nor poison,
Malice domestic, foreign levy, nothing
Can touch him further.
LADY MACBETH
Come on, gentle my lord,
30Sleek o'er your rugged looks. Be bright and jovial
Among your guests tonight.
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MACBETH
So shall I, love,
And so, I pray, be you. Let your remembrance
Apply to Banquo; present him eminence,
Both with eye and tongue: unsafe the while that we
35Must lave our honors in these flattering streams,
And make our faces vizards to our hearts,
Disguising what they are.
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LADY MACBETH
You must leave this.
Starting with this extract, explain how you think Shakespeare presents deceitfulness.
Write about:
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