Question

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?

Responses

It suggests that life is more valuable when a person has friends.
It suggests that life is more valuable when a person has friends. - no response given

It hints that some lives are better lived than others.
It hints that some lives are better lived than others. - no response given

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. - no response given

It highlights the fact that life is fleeting.

Answer 1

It highlights the fact that life is fleeting.

Shakespeare’s comparisons—life as a “walking shadow,” a “poor player” who “struts and frets his hour upon the stage,” and a tale “told by an idiot”—emphasize impermanence, brief appearance, and ultimate meaninglessness. These images develop the idea that life is short and transitory.