Question 1: Identify and explain the literary technique used in the phrase 'dagger of the mind'.

Answer: The phrase uses metaphor to suggest that the dagger is a mental illusion symbolising Macbeth's ambition and inner conflict.

Question 2: How does Shakespeare depict Macbeth's psychological state through this extract?

Answer: He shows Macbeth's mind as disturbed and conflicted, with hallucinations representing his internal struggle over murder and ambition.

Question 3: Discuss the use of caesura in the lines: 'Come, let me clutch thee. / I have thee not, and yet I see thee still.' How does it affect the rhythm?

Answer: The caesura creates a pause that emphasizes Macbeth's hesitation and inner turmoil, breaking the line into reflective segments.

Question 4: Analyze how Macbeth’s hallucination reflects themes of ambition and moral conflict, especially considering modern technological metaphors.

Answer: Macbeth's hallucination of the dagger symbolizes the allure of power and the dangerous allure of ambition, akin to seductive but risky technological innovations. His mental state communicates the conflict between desire and morality, illustrating how unchecked ambition—like uncontrolled technology—can lead to destructive outcomes. The hallucination acts as a visual metaphor for his obsession with power, blurring reality and illusion, and highlights the internal struggle between moral integrity and relentless ambition.

Question 5: In relation to the extract, what might Shakespeare be suggesting about the danger of unchecked ambition?

Answer: Shakespeare suggests that unchecked ambition can distort perception and lead to destructive decisions, much like how technology can be misused if not carefully managed.

Question 6: Create a brief modern paraphrase of Macbeth's hallucination, incorporating the theme of technology.

Answer: Macbeth's mind is like a malfunctioning machine, producing false signals of power and success that tempt him to destructive actions.

Question 7: Explain how the motif of vision in this extract relates to Macbeth’s ambition and its potential consequences.

Answer: Vision here represents Macbeth’s perception of his destiny; illusions of power tempt him forward, but they also warn of the dangers of ambition that is not grounded in reality, much like how overly optimistic views on technology can lead to unforeseen problems.

Question 8: Evaluate how the extract might symbolise the conflict between human morality and technological advancement today.

Answer: The hallucination of the dagger symbolizes the seductive yet perilous allure of technological innovation, which can promise power and progress but also pose significant moral and ethical dilemmas. Macbeth’s hallucination reflects the human tendency to pursue ambition at any cost, a theme increasingly relevant in today's tech-driven society where the pursuit of advancement can lead to ethical conflicts and unintended consequences. Just as Macbeth is haunted by his own hallucination, society must be cautious of how unchecked technological ambitions might distort reality and moral judgment.