Macbeth Soliloquy explanation

Jason Chen

2012/12/31

Brit Lit

Macbeth Soliloquy explanation

        The soliloquy of the dagger appeared in Act 2 scene 2. It is recited by Macbeth in front of King Duncan’s room. It is quite significant since this is the first guilt inspired hallucination that Macbeth will be encountered. His vision of seeing the blade in the air, the blood all signifies what will happen and what it meant. His mind is starting to wander and this scene marks a specific transition of the mind of Macbeth. There are all sorts of metaphor and comparisons in the play that eludes to the scenes and event in the play such as the ringing of the bell. Also, through this scene we see the tragic flaw in him flowing out even more. He is conflicted on the thoughts of murdering the king. His conscience is having a battle with his ambitions as he mentions if this is “ a false creation from the heat oppressed brain”. Then he shows more determination in the end of the soliloquy but in the same time fearful of the fact that what would happen if he is caught. This is a very important scene as we see how Macbeth’s mind is being torn apart and self conflicting, which leads on to the later events in the play.