Macbeth Act 2 Scene 1, Analysis: The Dagger Soliloquy Explained
Updated: 19 hours ago
Master Macbeth Act 2 Scene 1 with our line-by-line paraphrase and analysis. Understand the famous dagger soliloquy, Banquo's fears, and hidden meanings.
Macbeth Act 2 Scene 1 Analysis: Line-by-Line Breakdown
The clock has struck midnight, the moon is down, and the courtyard of Inverness is swallowed by pitch blackness. This sensory deprivation mirrors the dark intentions brewing within the castle walls. Act 2, Scene 1 of Macbeth operates as the psychological tipping point of Shakespeare's tragedy, bridging the agonizing gap between the contemplation of regicide and the physical act itself.
Setting the Stage: Banquo’s Unease in the Dark
Banquo opens the scene accompanied by his son, Fleance, who bears a torch to cut through the oppressive dark. Banquo is exhausted, admitting that a "heavy summons lies like lead upon me," yet he actively fights the urge to sleep. His insomnia stems from "cursed thoughts that nature / Gives way to in repose"—a direct and disturbing consequence of the weird sisters' prophecies. The darkness surrounding them is absolute; Banquo notes that "There’s husbandry in heaven; / Their candles are all out," metaphorically observing that the heavens are being thrifty with their light by hiding the stars.
The False Meeting Between Macbeth and Banquo
When Macbeth suddenly enters with a torchbearer, Banquo is startled enough to demand his sword back, highlighting the tense, suspicious atmosphere blanketing the castle. Macbeth identifies himself simply as a "friend," a response dripping with dramatic irony since he is actively preparing to betray the king's ultimate trust.
Banquo brings up his dream of the "three weird sisters" and notes that part of their prophecy for Macbeth has already materialized. Macbeth lies outright, claiming, "I think not of them". He then subtly tests Banquo's loyalty, suggesting that if Banquo supports his cause ("cleave to my consent") when the time comes, it will bring him honor. Banquo's response is cautious and firmly principled; he agrees to listen only if he can keep his "bosom franchis'd and allegiance clear"—meaning he intends to keep his conscience free from guilt and his loyalty to King Duncan unstained. Banquo agrees to hear Macbeth out, but he emphatically does not agree to betray his king.
The Floating Dagger: Analyzing Macbeth's Soliloquy
Once Banquo departs and Macbeth is left alone, his deteriorating psychological state manifests physically. He experiences a terrifying hallucination that forces him to confront the raw reality of his imminent treason.
"Is this a dagger which I see before me?"
Macbeth sees a dagger hovering in the air, its handle pointing directly toward his hand, beckoning him toward Duncan's chamber. He attempts to grasp it ("Come, let me clutch thee") but grasps only empty air, questioning whether it is a "fatal vision" or merely a "false creation, / Proceeding from the heat-oppressed brain". The dagger serves as a psychological guide, marshalling him along the exact route he intended to walk, utilizing the very weapon he planned to wield.
As he watches, the vision morphs horribly, and "gouts of blood" suddenly appear on its blade and dudgeon (handle). Macbeth's rational mind catches up, and he realizes the apparition is not real, concluding that his own "bloody business" is giving shape to the hallucination. The unseen but apparently visible dagger perfectly embodies Macbeth’s deep-seated fear inextricably linked with his murderous intention.
Key Themes and Literary Devices in Act 2 Scene 1
Shakespeare weaves heavy themes of deception, guilt, and the supernatural into the fabric of this scene. The disjunction between reality and illusion becomes paramount; Macbeth is no longer just hiding his true face from others, but is now falling victim to his own mind's illusions.
Personification of Murder and Witchcraft
As the hallucination of the dagger fades, Macbeth's language plunges into deep, gothic imagery. He observes that across the dark half of the world, "Nature seems dead," and evil dreams disturb sleepers in their curtained beds. He explicitly invokes the supernatural, noting that "witchcraft celebrates / Pale Hecate’s offerings".
He then personifies Murder as a withered creature, awakened by the howl of its sentinel, the wolf. With a "stealthy pace," Murder moves like a ghost toward its victim, its steps compared to "Tarquin’s ravishing strides". This historical reference to a brutal Roman figure reinforces the sheer cruelty of Macbeth's impending crime. Finally, Macbeth personifies the earth itself, begging the "firm-set earth" not to hear his footsteps, fearing the very stones might chatter and reveal his location, breaking the horrifying silence that perfectly suits his terrible purpose.
Macbeth Act II Scene 1 Line-by-Line Paraphrase
Original text and modern English meaning
Banquo struggles with troubling thoughts, while Macbeth moves from the vision of a dagger to the bell that signals Duncan’s murder. Read each original passage beside its matching paraphrase; vocabulary and interpretation follow in the right column.
Original Shakespearean text | Modern English paraphrase and notes |
Banquo and Fleance [opening lines] BANQUO How goes the night, boy? FLEANCE The moon is down; I have not heard the clock. BANQUO And she goes down at twelve. FLEANCE I take ’t, ’tis later, sir. | Banquo asks his son the time. Fleance says that the moon has set, although he has not heard the clock strike. Banquo points out that the moon sets at midnight, so Fleance concludes that it must be later than twelve. ◆ Word Meaning: “I take ’t” means “I suppose”; “she” refers to the moon. |
Banquo [lines 4–9] Hold, take my sword. There’s husbandry in heaven; Their candles are all out. Take thee that too. A heavy summons lies like lead upon me, And yet I would not sleep: merciful powers! Restrain in me the cursed thoughts that nature Gives way to in repose. | Take my sword. The heavens seem to be saving their light, for the stars are hidden and the night is dark. Take this other weapon as well. I feel an almost unbearable pull towards sleep, yet I am afraid to sleep. Kindly powers, prevent the evil thoughts that arise when my conscious control relaxes. ◆ Word Meaning: “husbandry” means thrift; “candles” are stars; “summons” is a call; “repose” is sleep. ◆ Literary Device: “Their candles” is a metaphor for the stars. “Like lead” is a simile expressing the weight of drowsiness. ◆ Note: Banquo is troubled by thoughts of the witches’ prediction but resists them. |
Banquo and Macbeth [entrance] [Enter MACBETH, and a Servant with a torch] BANQUO Give me my sword.—Who’s there? MACBETH A friend. | Macbeth and a torchbearer enter. Banquo asks for his sword back and challenges the newcomer. Macbeth identifies himself as a friend. ◆ Note: Macbeth’s friendly answer has dramatic irony: he is preparing to betray Duncan’s trust. |
Banquo [lines 12–17] What, sir! not yet at rest? The king’s a-bed: He hath been in unusual pleasure, and Sent forth great largess to your offices. This diamond he greets your wife withal, By name of most kind hostess; and shut up In measureless content. | I am surprised that you are still awake. King Duncan has gone to bed. He has been unusually happy and has generously rewarded the servants of your household. He has sent this diamond to your wife, praising her as a very kind hostess, and has retired entirely satisfied. ◆ Word Meaning: “a-bed” means in bed; “largess” means generous gifts; “offices” refers to the household staff or their quarters; “withal” means with; “shut up” means retired to bed. ◆ Note: Duncan’s trust and gratitude make the planned murder especially cruel. |
Macbeth and Banquo [lines 17–20] MACBETH Being unprepar’d, Our will became the servant to defect, Which else should free have wrought. BANQUO All’s well. | MACBETH: We were not prepared to receive the king, so our wish to honour him was limited by our shortcomings. Otherwise we would have served him more freely and fully. BANQUO: There is nothing to worry about. ◆ Word Meaning: “defect” means shortcoming; “wrought” means carried out. ◆ Note: Macbeth’s polite excuse conceals his murderous purpose. |
Banquo and Macbeth [lines 20–24] BANQUO I dreamt last night of the three weird sisters: To you they have show’d some truth. MACBETH I think not of them: Yet, when we can entreat an hour to serve, We would spend it in some words upon that business, If you would grant the time. | BANQUO: I dreamed of the three witches last night. Some of what they predicted about you has come true. MACBETH: I claim that I do not think about them. Still, if we can find a suitable hour, I would like to discuss their prophecy with you. ◆ Word Meaning: “weird sisters” means the witches; “entreat an hour to serve” means arrange a convenient time. ◆ Note: Macbeth’s denial is false. The prophecy occupies his thoughts. |
Banquo Macbeth and Banquo [lines 24–29] BANQUO At your kind’st leisure. MACBETH If you shall cleave to my consent, when ’tis, It shall make honour for you. BANQUO So I lose none In seeking to augment it, but still keep My bosom franchis’d and allegiance clear, I shall be counsell’d. | BANQUO: I can talk whenever it suits you. MACBETH: If you support my cause when the time comes, you will gain honour. BANQUO: I will listen if I can gain honour without losing the honour I already have, and if I can keep my conscience free and my loyalty to Duncan unstained. ◆ Word Meaning: “cleave” means adhere; “augment” means increase; “bosom franchis’d” means conscience kept free from guilt; “allegiance clear” means loyalty kept unstained. ◆ Note: Banquo agrees only to hear Macbeth out. He does not agree to betray Duncan. |
Macbeth and Banquo [farewell] MACBETH Good repose the while! BANQUO Thanks, sir: the like to you. [Exeunt BANQUO and FLEANCE] | Macbeth wishes Banquo a good night’s sleep. Banquo returns the wish, then leaves with Fleance. ◆ Word Meaning: “repose” means rest; “exeunt” means they leave the stage. |
Macbeth [lines 31–32] Go bid thy mistress, when my drink is ready She strike upon the bell. Get thee to bed. [Exit Servant] | Go and tell Lady Macbeth to ring the bell when my drink is ready; then go to bed. The servant leaves. ◆ Word Meaning: “bid” means tell; “strike upon the bell” means ring the bell. ◆ Note: The bell is the prearranged signal that the preparations for Duncan’s murder are complete. |
Macbeth [lines 33–39] Is this a dagger which I see before me, The handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee: I have thee not, and yet I see thee still. Art thou not, fatal vision, sensible To feeling as to sight? or art thou but A dagger of the mind, a false creation, Proceeding from the heat-oppressed brain? | Is that a dagger floating in front of me, with its handle pointed towards my hand? Let me take hold of it. I cannot grasp it, although I can still see it. O ominous vision, can I feel you as well as see you? Or are you only an imaginary dagger created by my feverishly strained mind? ◆ Word Meaning: “clutch” means grasp; “fatal” means ominous or connected with death; “sensible” means perceptible; “heat-oppressed” describes a brain strained by intense emotion. ◆ Literary Device: The unseen but apparently visible dagger embodies Macbeth’s fear and murderous intention. |
Macbeth [lines 40–43] I see thee yet, in form as palpable As this which now I draw. Thou marshall’st me the way that I was going; And such an instrument I was to use. | I still see you. You look as solid as the real dagger I now draw. You lead me along the very route I intended to take towards Duncan, and a dagger is the weapon I had planned to use. ◆ Word Meaning: “palpable” means seemingly touchable; “marshall’st” means guide; “instrument” means weapon or tool. ◆ Note: The imagined dagger follows Macbeth’s intention; it does not create it. |
Macbeth [lines 44–49] Mine eyes are made the fools o’ the other senses, Or else worth all the rest: I see thee still; And on thy blade and dudgeon gouts of blood Which was not so before. There’s no such thing: It is the bloody business which informs Thus to mine eyes. | Either my eyes are deceiving me while my other senses know the truth, or my eyes are more reliable than all the others. I still see the dagger. Now drops of blood appear on its blade and handle, although they were absent before. The apparition is not real: my plan to commit murder is making my eyes picture it. ◆ Word Meaning: “dudgeon” means dagger handle; “gouts” means drops; “informs” means gives shape or information to. ◆ Note: Macbeth recognises the vision as the product of his murderous purpose. |
Macbeth [lines 49–53] Now o’er the one half-world Nature seems dead, and wicked dreams abuse The curtain’d sleep; witchcraft celebrates Pale Hecate’s offerings; and wither’d murder, Alarum’d by his sentinel, the wolf, | Across the dark half of the world, nature seems lifeless. Evil dreams trouble people sleeping in curtained beds; witches perform rites for Hecate; and Murder, imagined as a withered figure, is called into action by the wolf’s howl. ◆ Word Meaning: “o’er” means over; “abuse” means disturb; “curtain’d sleep” evokes a curtained bed; “alarum’d” means alerted; “sentinel” means watchman. ◆ Literary Device: Murder is personified as a creature moving through the night. ◆ Historical Reference: Hecate is associated with witchcraft and the underworld. |
Macbeth [lines 54–56] Whose howl’s his watch, thus with his stealthy pace, With Tarquin’s ravishing strides, toward his design Moves like a ghost. | The wolf’s howl is Murder’s signal of the hour. Murder advances secretly towards its goal, with the forceful steps of Tarquin, yet moves as silently as a ghost. Macbeth is describing his own approach to Duncan’s room. ◆ Word Meaning: “watch” means the timekeeper’s signal; “stealthy” means secretive; “design” means intended act. ◆ Historical Reference: Tarquin is a figure from Roman legend associated with a violent sexual assault. His name reinforces the crime’s brutality. |
Macbeth [lines 56–60] Thou sure and firm-set earth, Hear not my steps, which way they walk, for fear Thy very stones prate of my whereabout, And take the present horror from the time, Which now suits with it. | O solid earth, do not hear my footsteps or the direction I take. I fear that even your stones might speak and reveal where I am, breaking the dreadful silence of this hour, which is perfectly suited to my terrible purpose. ◆ Word Meaning: “firm-set” means firmly fixed; “prate” means chatter; “whereabout” means location. ◆ Literary Device: Macbeth personifies the earth and its stones as witnesses able to hear and speak. |
Macbeth [lines 60–61] Whiles I threat, he lives: Words to the heat of deeds too cold breath gives. | While I stand here speaking about murder, Duncan remains alive. Talking cools the fierce resolve needed to carry out the deed. I must stop talking and act. ◆ Word Meaning: “whiles” means while; “threat” means speak threateningly. ◆ Note: Macbeth moves from fearful reflection towards action. |
Macbeth [bell and final lines] [A bell rings] I go, and it is done; the bell invites me. Hear it not, Duncan; for it is a knell That summons thee to heaven or to hell. | The bell sounds. I am going now to kill Duncan; the signal calls me. Duncan, I wish you could not hear it, for it sounds like a death bell calling your soul from this life to heaven or hell. ◆ Word Meaning: “knell” means a bell rung for a death; “summons” means calls. ◆ Note: “It is done” expresses Macbeth’s resolve. Duncan has not yet been killed at the end of this scene. |
Macbeth, Act II, Scene 1, prepared by Paul Academy and English Mines.
PAUL ACADEMY | ENGLISH MINES™ Class XI — ISC Literature in English Macbeth:
Act II, Scene 1 — Practice Questions
These original questions follow the types used in CISCE’s published Class XI specimen: MCQs, brief reason-based responses, 5-mark answers in 100–150 words, and 10-mark answers in 200–250 words.
This is a scene-specific practice bank, not an official examination paper. cisce.org
The textual references have been checked against the Folger Shakespeare Library’s edition of Act II, Scene 1.
Questions only are provided for student practice. Folger Shakespeare Library
A. Multiple-Choice Questions
Choose the correct option. Each question carries 1 mark.
1. What do Fleance’s opening remarks suggest about the time and setting?
(a) It is early evening, and the castle is crowded.
(b) It is probably past midnight, and the moon has set.
(c) It is dawn, and the king is preparing to leave.
(d) It is midday, but a storm has darkened the sky.
2. Banquo’s statement, “There’s husbandry in heaven,” suggests that:
(a) heavenly powers are preparing a harvest.
(b) the gods are rewarding Duncan’s generosity.
(c) the heavens are protecting Macbeth’s castle.
(d) heaven is economising on light, as the stars are not visible.
3. What is the “heavy summons” that lies upon Banquo “like lead”?
(a) An overpowering desire to sleep.
(b) An urgent command from Duncan.
(c) The burden of carrying his sword.
(d) A warning that Macbeth will betray him.
4. Why does Banquo pray to the “merciful powers”?
(a) He wishes to become king immediately.
(b) He wants protection from Duncan’s anger.
(c) He wishes to resist disturbing thoughts that arise during sleep.
(d) He wants the witches to appear again.
5. Duncan’s gift of a diamond to Lady Macbeth chiefly expresses his:
(a) suspicion of her intentions.
(b) appreciation of her hospitality.
(c) wish to secure Banquo’s loyalty.
(d) decision to make Macbeth his successor.
6. Which statement best explains the dramatic irony of Duncan’s satisfaction with his hosts?
(a) Duncan knows about the murder plot but conceals his knowledge.
(b) Banquo has already warned Duncan against Lady Macbeth.
(c) Macbeth intends to protect Duncan from an outside attack.
(d) Duncan feels secure with people who are preparing to betray him.
7. When Banquo says that the witches have shown Macbeth “some truth,” he refers chiefly to Macbeth’s:
(a) appointment as Thane of Cawdor.
(b) marriage to Lady Macbeth.
(c) appointment as Prince of Cumberland.
(d) coronation as King of Scotland.
8. Macbeth’s reply, “I think not of them,” most clearly illustrates:
(a) his complete rejection of ambition.
(b) his inability to remember the witches.
(c) his attempt to conceal his preoccupation with their prophecies.
(d) his belief that Banquo invented the encounter.
9. Banquo is willing to consider Macbeth’s proposal only if he can:
(a) obtain greater rewards than Macbeth.
(b) preserve his honour, freedom of conscience and loyalty.
(c) receive a guarantee that Fleance will become king.
(d) consult the witches before making a decision.
10. The position of the imaginary dagger’s handle suggests that it:
(a) warns Macbeth to surrender his weapon.
(b) points towards Banquo’s sleeping chamber.
(c) represents Duncan’s willingness to fight.
(d) seems to invite Macbeth to grasp it.
11. What most immediately causes Macbeth to question the dagger’s physical reality?
(a) He can see it but cannot grasp it.
(b) Banquo tells him that nothing is there.
(c) The servant removes it from his reach.
(d) It disappears when the bell rings.
12. Macbeth’s reference to his “heat-oppressed brain” suggests that he considers the vision a possible product of:
(a) the heat from the servant’s torch.
(b) a physical wound received in battle.
(c) a mind disturbed by intense emotional pressure.
(d) a fever diagnosed by Lady Macbeth.
13. The appearance of blood on the imagined dagger most strongly connects the vision with:
(a) Macbeth’s earlier military victories.
(b) Banquo’s fear of being attacked.
(c) Duncan’s gifts to his servants.
(d) the murder Macbeth intends to commit.
14. Which interpretation best explains Macbeth’s appeal to the earth not to hear his footsteps?
(a) He wants nature to celebrate his success.
(b) He fears that the surrounding world might expose his secret movement.
(c) He believes Duncan is hiding beneath the castle.
(d) He is asking for protection against an earthquake.
15. The bell at the end of the scene functions both as:
(a) the signal to proceed and an imagined death bell for Duncan.
(b) a warning from Banquo and a call to prayer.
(c) an announcement of dawn and a royal command.
(d) a celebration of Macbeth’s coronation and a summons to battle.
B. Complete the Sentences with a Reason
Provide a brief reason for each statement. Each question carries 1 mark.
Banquo is reluctant to sleep despite feeling extremely tired because __________.
Banquo asks Fleance to return his sword when someone approaches because __________.
Duncan’s praise of Lady Macbeth as a kind hostess is dramatically ironic because __________.
Macbeth’s claim that he does not think about the witches is deceptive because __________.
Banquo places conditions on his willingness to listen to Macbeth because __________.
Macbeth sends his servant away before beginning the dagger soliloquy because __________.
Macbeth compares the imaginary dagger with the real dagger he draws because __________.
Macbeth concludes that the projected murder is influencing his vision because __________.
Macbeth wishes the stones would not reveal his whereabouts because __________.
Macbeth describes the bell as a “knell” for Duncan because __________.
C. Structured Short-Answer Questions
Answer each question in 100–150 words. Each question carries 5 marks. Support your answer with relevant textual references.
1. How does Shakespeare establish an atmosphere of uneasiness at the beginning of Act II, Scene 1?
In your answer, include:
the time and absence of natural light;
Banquo’s tiredness and reluctance to sleep;
his reaction to the approaching Macbeth.
2. What does Banquo’s opening speech reveal about his response to temptation?
In your answer, include:
his reference to disturbing thoughts;
his appeal to higher powers;
what his prayer suggests about his conscience.
3. What does Banquo’s account of Duncan’s behaviour reveal about the king? Why is this account significant at this point in the play?
In your answer, include:
Duncan’s pleasure and generosity;
his gift to Lady Macbeth;
the contrast between his trust and the audience’s knowledge.
4. Examine Macbeth’s response when Banquo mentions the witches.
In your answer, include:
Macbeth’s initial denial;
his suggestion of a later discussion;
what his guarded language reveals about him.
5. How does Banquo’s reply to Macbeth’s offer of honour reveal his moral priorities?
In your answer, include:
his willingness to listen;
his refusal to sacrifice existing honour;
his concern for conscience and allegiance.
6. Describe Macbeth’s first reactions to the dagger vision. What do these reactions reveal about his state of mind?
In your answer, include:
his attempt to grasp the dagger;
the conflict between sight and touch;
his explanation involving his disturbed brain.
7. How does the dagger vision develop during Macbeth’s soliloquy?
In your answer, include:
the direction in which it appears to lead him;
its resemblance to his real weapon;
the later appearance of blood.
8. How does Shakespeare use imagery of night and disturbed sleep in the dagger soliloquy?
In your answer, include:
the apparent stillness of nature;
wicked dreams and vulnerable sleepers;
the association between darkness and evil.
9. Explain the contribution of Hecate, the wolf and Tarquin to the atmosphere of the soliloquy.
In your answer, include:
their associations with witchcraft, predatory watchfulness and violation;
the presentation of murder as a stealthy figure;
their effect on the audience’s anticipation.
10. Explain the dramatic significance of the closing lines of the scene.
In your answer, include:
the practical purpose of the bell;
Macbeth’s movement from reflection towards action;
his interpretation of the bell as Duncan’s death summons.
D. Extended-Answer Questions
Answer each question in 200–250 words. Each question carries 10 marks. Refer closely to Act II, Scene 1.
1. “Banquo and Macbeth experience temptation, but respond to it differently.” Discuss how Shakespeare develops this contrast in the scene.
Consider their responses to the witches, their attitudes towards honour, and their handling of troubling thoughts.
2. Analyse the dagger soliloquy as a revelation of Macbeth’s psychological conflict immediately before Duncan’s murder.
Consider his uncertainty about the vision, his awareness of its possible mental origin, and his eventual determination to act.
3. “The imagined dagger gives visible form to Macbeth’s murderous intention.” Discuss this interpretation with close reference to the scene.
Consider the dagger’s position, direction, changing appearance and relationship to Macbeth’s real weapon.
4. How does Shakespeare build suspense throughout Act II, Scene 1?
Consider the opening conversation, Macbeth’s guarded exchange with Banquo, his isolation, the dagger vision and the final bell.
5. Examine the theme of appearance and reality in this scene.
Consider Duncan’s confidence in his hosts, Macbeth’s conversation with Banquo, and Macbeth’s struggle to distinguish a visible illusion from a physical object.
6. “Macbeth recognises the horror of his intended crime, yet proceeds towards it.” Evaluate this statement.
Consider the imagery he uses, his fear of discovery, his recognition that speaking delays action, and his response to the bell.
7. Discuss how darkness, sleep, blood and sound contribute to the meaning of Act II, Scene 1.
Explain how these elements connect the external setting with the characters’ inner experiences.
8. What makes Act II, Scene 1 an effective transition from the planning of Duncan’s murder to its execution?
Consider the contrast between the public conversation and private soliloquy, Macbeth’s developing resolve, and the significance of his exit.
E. Competency-Based Questions
Answer each question in 100–150 words. Each question carries 5 marks. Justify your interpretation with evidence from the scene.
1. Evaluating an interpretation
A student argues: “Banquo’s disturbing dreams prove that he is as willing as Macbeth to commit a crime for power.”
How far do you agree? Distinguish between experiencing temptation and choosing to act upon it.
2. Evaluating responsibility
A student claims: “The dagger forces Macbeth to murder Duncan.”
Evaluate this claim by considering Macbeth’s statement that the dagger leads him along the route he was already taking.
3. Interpreting a stage performance
A director chooses to show no visible dagger on stage. The audience sees only Macbeth reaching towards empty space.
Explain how this staging could emphasise Macbeth’s mental condition. What ambiguity would remain?
4. Analysing dramatic irony
An actor delivers Macbeth’s greeting, “A friend,” with unusual warmth.
Explain how this delivery could strengthen the contrast between Macbeth’s outward behaviour and concealed intentions.
5. Comparing stage choices
One production presents the final bell as a quiet domestic signal; another makes it sound ominous and funeral-like.
Explain how each choice could affect the audience’s understanding of the scene’s ending.
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