Tales from Shakespeare -- Charles Lamb and Mary Lamb (edited version)

Tales from Shakespeare

Charles Lamb & Mary Lamb

1. Macbeth
M.C.Q
D.A.Q
Textual grammar

2. Othello
    M.C.Q
D.A.Q
Textual grammar

3. The Comedy of Errors
    M.C.Q
D.A.Q
Textual grammar

4. As You Like It
    M.C.Q
D.A.Q
Textual grammar

5. Twelfth Night
    M.C.Q
D.A.Q
Textual grammar

Some Important Questions and Answers from the Plays mentioned above

1. Why did Macbeth kill Banquo? – (Macbeth)

Answer: With a vicious conspiracy of acquisition the kingship of whole Scotland, Macbeth had killed Duncan. He became the king of Scotland. The prediction of the witches came true. Still he was not happy. He was not satisfied. For, the witches’ prediction about Banquo constantly haunted his mind.

They predicted that Banquo’s sons would be the kings. Macbeth and his wife feared that this prophecy too would come true. But they could not allow this. Macbeth knew that he had done a great crime to achieve the glory of royalty. It cost him his sleep and peace. He had shed the blood of a gracious king.

Both Macbeth and his wife defiled their hands with blood. But in exchange of that they could not enjoy the power and position for a long time. The crown would be worn by Banquo’s posterity. This thought made them upset. They felt that Banquo and his son should not live. Hence they conspired to kill them.

2. Discuss the role character of Othello. – (Othello)

Answer: In the play, Othello, we find Othello to be a major figure. His is a towering personality. He is a valiant soldier. He fears no fear in war. In time of exigency the state claims his service. Also he is a man of discipline. This is evident in his dealing with Cassio.

Cassio is his most trusted friend. But Cassio does not discharge his duty well. He flouts the code of conduct as a lieutenant. Othello takes no time to sack him from his rank. Personal relation likes and dislikes do not matter to Othello in this regard.

Othello is morally pure and perfect. He is also a romantic lover. He loves Desdemona from the core of his heart. He may be always in fear of losing her. She is his soul’s joy. Out of jealousy, he kills her. Another remarkable feature in his character is that he is modest and humble. He never boasts of his skill or power. To sum up despite all his flaws, like the people of Venice we are to lament his tragic end. We are to utter in wonder: “What a piece of work is man!”

3. How did the captain of the ship who rescued Viola help her? –(Twelfth Night)

Answer: Viola and her brother Sebastian were on a voyage together. They faced a violent tempest. A shipwreck took place. The captain was able to rescue Viola. She was brought to a strange land. It was Illyria.

Now Viola began to lament the loss of her brother. She feared that Sebastian was dead. But the good captain comforted and consoled her. He assured her that he had seen Sebastian fighting the waves. His assurance was a big relief to Viola. The captain felt for this helpless lady. Viola decided to serve this lady. She wanted to assume the camouflage of Sebastian. For that she gave the captain some money to buy some suitable male attire for her. The captain brought the clothes for her and took her to the Duke of the foreign land.

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👉 As You Like It: Character sketch of Celia

👉 Macbeth - Questions and Answers (D.A.Q)

👉 The Comedy of Errors by William Shakespeare - (S.A.Q)

👉 Othello’s Character in William Shakespeare’s tragedy, Othello

👉 Tales from Shakespeare - Charles Lamb and Mary Lamb