Month: November 2016

Macbeth Act 2, Scene 1: Is this a Dagger?

November 7, 2016 / / 0 Comments

Hi Lazaro,

When exploring metaphors, the best process is to explain the literal meaning (this is the meaning on the surface, what the words are saying) and then explore the figurative meaning (this is the underlying meaning, the inferred information).

For example:

Macbeth: “A dagger of the mind”

In this metaphor Shakespeare uses the image of a dagger to represent the affliction that Macbeth feels in relation to his intention to kill King Duncan. It can be interpreted literally as a ‘dagger’ that is created by his mind, or it can be seen figuratively as a knife in his head, causing pain and anguish. He is indeed torn between his desire for the power and status of King of Scotland and the loyalty he feels towards Duncan who has only ever been generous to him.

 

November 4, 2016 / / 0 Comments

‘Is this a dagger which I see before me’ In Act 2 Scene 1 An imaginary dagger appears before him, he starts to doubt himself and question his loyalty to the king. He goes back and forth hesitating if he should do it.’ I go, and it is done ; the bell invites me.’ This means that Macbeth has  finally killed Duncan and the bells of victory started riniging.

Act2 scene1

November 4, 2016 / / 0 Comments

In the soliloquy in act2 scene1 Macbeth creates an image of a dagger just floating in front of him. ‘Is this a dagger which I see before me’ At first you would think that the witches created this image for him however, based on past events of Macbeth always questioning himself, we then realise that he was hallusinating. He starts to regret his decisions. ‘A dagger of the mind, a false creation’