In Act II, scene 1 of Macbeth by William Shakespeare, Macbeth is standing alone in his castle, Inverness. Banquo and Fleance have left after briefly discussing with Macbeth the prophecy of the three witches. While alone, Macbeth suddenly observes a dagger floating in the air. After unsuccessfully attempting to grab it, he begins wondering if what he sees is a tangible dagger or a hallucination. He promptly decides it is only his imagination after seeing blood on the tip of the blade. Macbeth realizes that he is having these visions as a result of his coming deed, which is killing Duncan. Though he acknowledges the evilness of the night, he resolves to carry out his plan. After hearing Lady Macbeth’s signal to proceed, a bell tolling, Macbeth makes his way to Duncan’s chamber.
Macbeth’s hesitation at murdering Duncan is clearly shown through the dagger, which is the first of many hallucinations Macbeth and Lady Macbeth will experience. The dagger indicates Macbeth’s guilty and paranoid nature. Though he is not instinctively inclined to perpetrate evil deeds, his great desire for power trumps his hesitations and he murders Duncan. He does this before he has a chance to lose his courage and consider the consequences, saying, “While I threat, he lives. Words to the heat of deeds too cold breath gives.” His ambitions will eventually lead to his corruption.
Several significant sounds and visions occur in Act II. The bloody dagger that is a manifestation of Macbeth’s guilt points towards Duncan’s chamber. This illustrates the destructive path Macbeth will embark on. Blood symbolizes Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s guilt, as well. Before committing the murder, Macbeth only sees blood on the dagger, but he will later imagine it to be permanently stained on his hands, leading him to cry out, “Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood clean from my hand?” The ringing of the bell by Lady Macbeth indicates the murder as well.
This passage further establishes Macbeth’s shame and guilt, but he proves that he is willing to disregard his conscience to achieve his ultimate desires. The hallucinations of blood foreshadow the violence that is to come, as well as Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s increasing guilt and paranoia.
Your summary was very well executed because it was short and got straight to the point. I like how you discussed the back and forth feelings of Macbeth on whether to go through with the murder of the King or not. The description of what the dagger symbolized was also a good description and well explained. I also like how you used quotes from the play to tie into your responses. Concluding your response with describing Macbeth's character and how more and more of his character is being revealed.
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