Motif - Hallucinations

Visions and Hallucinations in Macbeth

Macbeth's Guilt-Induced Visions

• Dagger Vision

  • Represents impending murder of Duncan

  • Blood-covered and pointing towards the king's chamber

• Banquo's Ghost

  • Appears at a feast

  • Silent accusation of Macbeth's crime

• Further Murders

  • Macbeth's guilt leads to more killings

  • Attempts to cover up initial crimes

Lady Macbeth's Descent into Hallucinations

• Sleepwalking

  • Believes her hands are stained with blood

  • Unable to wash away the guilt

• Supernatural Signs

  • Ambiguous reality of visions

  • Both Macbeths interpret them as signs of guilt

Joint Culpability

• Shared Guilt

  • Visions remind them of their crimes

  • Culmination of their guilt in hallucinations

Impact on Characters

• Macbeth

  • Driven to further atrocities

  • Guilt prevents him from enjoying power

• Lady Macbeth

  • Descends into madness

  • Culminates in her tragic suicide