IS THIS A DAGGER WHICH I SEE BEFORE ME?

 or, 'Something Is Rotten In The State Of Scotland'

"Macbeth" is one of more graphic of the Shakespeare dramas.  E-notes.com summarizes the sinister plot:

"Macbeth has made his decision to kill the King and take the crown as his own. Inspired in part by his own ambition, the decision to murder Duncan is aided by the prophecies of the Witches...

 ...as well as the insistent urging of his wife. 

Still, Macbeth is wracked with guilt over what he is about to do, and his mind races with thoughts of such evil action. He begins to hallucinate...

...and sees a bloody dagger in the air, which will be his instrument of murder.

He goes on to comment on the wickedness of the world, thoughts which are interrupted by the ringing of the bell, a signal from Lady Macbeth that Duncan's guards are drugged and sleeping. He goes off to complete the dire deed."

The rest of the play is no cheerier: murders, sleep walking, lots of blood, bloody hands, misunderstood witchagrams, lots more blood, a beheading...and it all takes place in gloomy Scotland.  What a treat for all!

As is my custom, I have found lots of art to display showing logos, graphics and photos from different incarnations of this classic.  So, "Lay on McDuff..."

Logos from "Macbeth":

The Three Witches:

Lady Macbeth:

Macbeth asks,"Is this a dagger which I see before me?"

Lady Macbeth curses her blood-stained hands, "out, damned spot!"

Macbeth:

 

 

  

 Behold, where stands the usurper's cursed head!

Here is a link to a Plot Summary of MACBETH

In the tradition of the theatre, it is considered bad luck for actors to mention the title of the play "Macbeth".  It is usually referred to as "the Scottish play".  In this skit from the British comedy BLACKADDER, this superstition is put to the test...

 "Don't Mention MACBETH!" - Blackadder