Question

preting figurative language
peaks the following lines to lady macbeth.
o! full of scorpions is my mind, dear wife;
owst that banquo and his fleance lives.
-the tragedy of macbeth,
william shakespeare
read the passage. what does the \scorpions\ metaphor mean in this excerpt?
○ macbeths thoughts are painful to him.
○ macbeth is planning to poison someone.
○ macbeth is planning to consult the witches.
○ macbeths thoughts are spurring him to action.

Explanation:

Scorpions are associated with painful, stinging sensations. Macbeth uses this metaphor to describe his mind, which is tormented by the knowledge that Banquo and Fleance (threats to his power) are alive. The metaphor conveys the agony of his anxious, guilt-ridden thoughts, not plans of poisoning, consulting witches, or a drive to act immediately.

Answer:

Macbeth's thoughts are painful to him.