In act three how does the banquet scene blur the clear-cut and common-sense distinction that most of us make between the real and the imaginary? In what other scences has this distinction also been blurred?
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http://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/macbeth/
To understand how the banquet scene in Macbeth blurs the distinction between real and imaginary, it is necessary to analyze the events that occur. In this scene, Macbeth is hosting a banquet and sees the ghost of his murdered friend, Banquo, sitting in his place. However, the other guests are unable to see the ghost, causing Macbeth to become increasingly disturbed. This blurring of the real and the imaginary arises from the fact that while Macbeth is experiencing the presence of the ghost, the other characters perceive nothing unusual.
The banquet scene serves to demonstrate Macbeth's deteriorating mental state and his descent into madness. It highlights his guilt and his mounting paranoia, as he is tormented by the apparition of Banquo's ghost. This blurring of reality and fantasy represents Macbeth's internal conflict and his struggle to distinguish between what is real and what is a product of his own guilt-ridden mind.
Furthermore, the distinction between the real and the imaginary is blurred in other scenes of the play as well. For example, in Act One, Scene Three, Macbeth and Banquo encounter the three witches who prophesy their future. These supernatural figures appear to be a combination of reality and fantasy, as they foretell events that later come true. The witches' prophecies become a driving force in Macbeth's actions, blurring the line between fate and free will.
Additionally, in Act Two, Scene One, Macbeth sees a dagger floating in the air before him, leading him towards Duncan's chamber. This apparition represents Macbeth's internal conflict and his contemplation of committing regicide. Again, the distinction between the real and the imaginary is blurred, as Macbeth grapples with what is physically present and what is a manifestation of his own psyche.
To delve deeper into the blurred distinction between the real and the imaginary in Macbeth, you can refer to the provided link to SparkNotes' analysis of the play. It offers a comprehensive examination of the themes, characters, and dramatic techniques used by Shakespeare in Macbeth, which will aid in your understanding of how this distinction is depicted throughout the play.