In the dagger soliloquy, Macbeth seems to be mad or crazy proven by the way he is speaking. In the quote “A dagger of the mind, a false creation.” (2.1.38) Macbeth sees a dagger before him but he cannot grab it, it was all in his head. Through the whole beginning of the soliloquy he’s hallucinating the weapon, and then he pulls out his own, saying he was one step ahead and already going to use a dagger to kill Duncan. The quote “I see thee yet, in form as palpable/As this which now I draw.” (2.1.40-41) Proves that Macbeth does draw his own dagger he had already, possibly to compare to the one he sees, yet cannot touch. Clearly, he knew he was going to kill the king. If one is going to commit a murder they would have to have a lot of guts, be able to stand the sight of blood, and be even the slightest bit insane. Seeing this imaginary dagger in front of him acts as a sign that the killing of Duncan the king is going to happen. It is foreshadowing and showing that this is the action he will pursue. This is proven by the quote “It is the bloody business which informs/Thus to mine eyes.” (2.1.48-49) What Macbeth means by this is the murder he’s going to commit is making an impact on him and causing him to think he sees one. Therefore, with these statements to prove the point, Macbeth is going mad.

 Is Macbeth Going Mad In 2.1?

 How would I stage the dagger scene if I was the Director?

 

If I were to stage the soliloquy I would have to add a few factors to emphasis the fact that Macbeth seems a bit insane. With the camera angle, it would be interesting to have one camera as if it was through Macbeths eyes. I think this would give the audience the opportunity to see his view and see the illusion that he believes is before him. I would also have cameras from the view of others; to not have the dagger there, just Macbeth dumbfound grabbing at the air. The appearance of Macbeth and the presentation of the soliloquy is also a very important factor to really reflect the emotion of insanity. Macbeth stuttering in his speak, trembling a bit, and a wide-eye look in his eyes would be a perfect way to show that he isn't quite all there in his head. as said in the soliloquy, "Nature seems dead, and wicked dreams abuse/ The curtained sleep. Witchcraft celebrates/ Pale Hecate's offerings, and withered murder,..." (2.1.50-52) Macbeth could be pacing around anxiously and making a lot of hand motions. These are factors i would stage into the scene to justify how mad Macbeth seems to be.