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ACBETH. 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 is receiving a warning to be wary about a possible threat to his life. Macbeth is receiving a warning to be wary about a possible threat to his life. 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. 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. Macbeth’s sight of the dagger, which is not actually there, indicates his insanity

1 answer

In the lines from Macbeth, the use of the dagger serves as a powerful symbol intertwined with Macbeth’s internal conflict and psychological state. From the options provided, the two correct interpretations that explain its use are:

  1. Macbeth’s guilt for thinking about killing the king has triggered its appearance. - This highlights how the vision of the dagger is linked to Macbeth’s ambition and the moral weight of contemplating regicide. It represents both his desire and his turmoil regarding the act he is about to commit.

  2. Macbeth’s sight of the dagger, which is not actually there, indicates his insanity. - This interpretation underscores the idea that the dagger is a manifestation of Macbeth's disturbed mind. It reveals his descent into madness as he grapples with the consequences of his aspirations and actions.

Together, these interpretations reflect the psychological themes present in the play, illustrating how Macbeth's internal struggles manifest in his perception of reality.