'Macbeth' Act 2 Scene 1: the dagger hallucination
I can use Macbeth’s soliloquy in Act 2, Scene 1 to justify my opinions on Macbeth.
'Macbeth' Act 2 Scene 1: the dagger hallucination
I can use Macbeth’s soliloquy in Act 2, Scene 1 to justify my opinions on Macbeth.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Act 2, Scene 1 is could be seen as crucial in creating the idea that Macbeth is influenced by the supernatural and evil
- Macbeth does recognise the dagger as a hallucination - counter evidence that he is being influenced by the supernatural
- Macbeth uses the hallucination as justification for killing Duncan
- A dagger is symbolic of treachery - representing betrayal at close range
Common misconception
Students become over-reliant on the quotation: "Is this a dagger which I see before me?"
Draw attention to other quotations which both illustrate Macbeth can see a dagger, but also demonstrate the flaws in his character.
Keywords
Hallucination - The experience of seeing, hearing, feeling, or smelling something that does not exist is called a hallucination.
Soliloquy - A soliloquy is a speech in a play that the character speaks to themself or to the audience, rather than to the other characters.
Subsequent - Subsequent means when something comes after something else or a result of something else.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of serious crime
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
Loading...