Close Read: Analyze the Text Identiy the choice that best answers the question In The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act III, what does Macbeth mean when he says, "Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown/And put a barren scepter in my gripe...."? A. He and Lady Macbeth want to have children B. He worrios he will be prosecuted for his crimes C. He fears he will not produce an heir to the throne D. He realizes he has little power over the people

## Step 1<br />The problem is a comprehension question from Shakespeare's play, "The Tragedy of Macbeth". The quote in question is from Act III, where Macbeth is expressing his fears and anxieties about his position as the king.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />The phrase "fruitless crown" and "barren scepter" are metaphors used by Macbeth. A "fruitless crown" refers to a crown that does not produce any offspring, while a "barren scepter" refers to a scepter that does not produce any heirs.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />By analyzing the metaphors, we can understand that Macbeth is expressing his fear that he will not produce an heir to the throne. This is because the "fruitless crown" and "barren scepter" are symbols of a lack of succession, which is a significant concern for a king.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />The other options, such as Macbeth and Lady Macbeth wanting to have children, Macbeth worrying about being prosecuted for his crimes, or Macbeth realizing he has little power over the people, do not align with the metaphors used in the quote.