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

It hints that some lives are better lived than others.
It hints that some lives are better lived than others.
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Answer 1

The correct response is:

It highlights the fact that life is fleeting.

This analogy compares life to a "walking shadow" and a "poor player" who performs for a brief time before disappearing. It emphasizes the transient nature of existence and the idea that life lacks lasting significance, as conveyed in the line "signifying nothing."