Macbeth
by William Shakespeare
MACBETH.
Is this a dagger which I see before me,
The handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee.
I have thee not, and yet I see thee still.
Art thou not, fatal vision, sensible
To feeling as to sight? or art thou but A dagger of the mind,
a false creation,
Proceeding from the heat-oppressed brain?
I see thee yet, in form as palpable
As this which now I draw.
From Macbeth by William Shakespeare
Question
Use the lines to answer the question.
Analyze Shakespeare’s use of the dagger in these lines. Which interpretation could be used to explain its use? Select the two correct answers.
(1 point)
Responses
Macbeth’s sight of the dagger, which is not actually there, indicates his insanity.
Macbeth’s sight of the dagger, which is not actually there, indicates his insanity.
The dagger is a message to Macbeth that he should act on his impulses.
The dagger is a message to Macbeth that he should act on his impulses.
The dagger is a reminder to Macbeth about his violent past.
The dagger is a reminder to Macbeth about his violent past.
Macbeth’s guilt for thinking about killing the king has triggered its appearance.
Macbeth’s guilt for thinking about killing the king has triggered its appearance.
Macbeth is receiving a warning to be wary about a possible threat to his life.
- Macbeth’s sight of the dagger, which is not actually there, indicates his insanity.
- The dagger is a message to Macbeth that he should act on his impulses.