In analyzing Shakespeare's use of the dagger in these lines from Macbeth, two interpretations that could be used to explain its use are:
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Macbeth’s guilt for thinking about killing the king has triggered its appearance. - The vision of the dagger reflects Macbeth's internal conflict and guilt. His thoughts about murdering King Duncan bring forth a physical manifestation of his murderous intentions.
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Macbeth’s sight of the dagger, which is not actually there, indicates his insanity. - The dagger is a hallucination, symbolizing Macbeth's deteriorating mental state as he grapples with his ambition and the violent thoughts that consume him.
These interpretations highlight the psychological struggle within Macbeth and illustrate how his ambition and guilt lead to a sense of madness.