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Year 11 - English

'Macbeth' Act 2 Scene 1: the dagger hallucination

Macbeth: A Tragic Hero

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils analyse how Macbeth is presented as a tragic hero. They first deepen their understanding of Shakespearean tragedy and tragic heroes, and then use this knowledge to analyse key scenes from the play. Finally, they prepare an essay on how Macbeth is presented as a tragic hero.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to use Macbeth's soliloquy in Act 2, Scene 1 to justify your opinions on Macbeth.

Key Notes

  • 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

Vocabulary To Learn

  • 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.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Students become over-reliant on the quotation: "Is this a dagger which I see before me?"

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key 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.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'Hallucination'

The experience of seeing, hearing, feeling, or smelling something that does not exist is called a hallucination.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Students become over-reliant on the quotation: "Is this a dagger which I see before me?". Correction: Draw attention to other quotations which both illustrate Macbeth can see a dagger, but also demonstrate the flaws in his character.

More Lessons In This Unit

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