ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -In this line, Donalbain is saying that he and his brother Malcolm are not safe if they stay where they are. That the men who smile at them are actually concealing daggers, wanting their blood.

Detailed explanation-2: -Explain how Donalbain’s statement that “There are daggers in men’s smiles” relates to the sons’ decision to flee. How is their action interpreted by the nobles? They believed that one of the noblemen was deceiving them and that whoever was after their father would kill them next.

Detailed explanation-3: -Malcolm and Donalbain flee from Scotland to England after their father’s murder because they are afraid that whoever killed their father will kill them next.

Detailed explanation-4: -140-141. the near in blood, / The nearer bloody: the nearer in bloodline [anyone is to King Duncan], the nearer they are to being murdered. 140 There’s daggers in men’s smiles: the near in blood, 141 The nearer bloody.

Detailed explanation-5: -When he is about to kill Duncan, Macbeth sees a dagger floating in the air. Covered with blood and pointed toward the king’s chamber, the dagger represents the bloody course on which Macbeth is about to embark.