Which sentences best explains what is ironic about the king’s comments about Inverness when he arrives there at the beginning of Act 1, Scene 6?

Question

a
This is ironic because Duncan says how pleasant the palace is because he doesn’t know what the Macbeths are planning.
b
This is ironic because Macbeth and Banquo heard a prophecy, and then that exactly this will happen.
c
This is ironic because Lady Macbeth has worked so hard to make Duncan feel welcome in the castle.
d
This is ironic because Duncan fought in a battle, and he will face another battle here.
Question 4 (2 points)
Which of the following quotations best supports your answer to Question 3?

a
“See, see, our honored hostess!/ The love that follows us sometime is our trouble,/ Which still we thank as love.”
b
“This guest of summer,/ The temple-haunting martlet, does approve, /By his loved mansionry, that the heaven’s breath”
c
“This castle hath a pleasant seat. The air/ Nimbly and sweetly recommends itself/ Unto our gentle senses.”
d
“but this bird/ Hath made his pendant bed and procreant cradle./ Where they most breed and haunt, I have observed,/ The air is delicate.”

Answer 1

For Question 3, the best answer that explains the irony of the king’s comments about Inverness is:

a - This is ironic because Duncan says how pleasant the palace is because he doesn’t know what the Macbeths are planning.

Duncan's naïve observation contrasts sharply with the sinister intentions of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, creating the irony.

For Question 4, the quotation that best supports this answer is:

c - “This castle hath a pleasant seat. The air/ Nimbly and sweetly recommends itself/ Unto our gentle senses.”

This quote reflects Duncan's view of the castle as pleasant and welcoming, which is ironic given the actual treachery that is about to take place.