Macbeth

Question

by William Shakespeare



Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player,

That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,

And then is heard no more. It is a tale

Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,

Signifying nothing.



From Macbeth by William Shakespeare

Question
Use the passage to answer the question.

How does the analogy in this excerpt from Shakespeare’s Macbeth help to develop meaning?

(1 point)
Responses

It gives a clue as to how the characters wanted to live their lives.
It gives a clue as to how the characters wanted to live their lives.

It hints that some lives are better lived than others.
It hints that some lives are better lived than others.

It highlights the fact that life is fleeting.
It highlights the fact that life is fleeting.

It suggests that life is more valuable when a person has friends.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

It highlights the fact that life is fleeting.

In this excerpt, Macbeth reflects on the transient nature of life, comparing it to a "walking shadow" and a "poor player" who performs briefly and is then forgotten. This analogy emphasizes the fleeting quality of existence and the ultimately meaningless nature of human endeavors.