Shakespeare’s reoccurring use of bloody imagery in the first three acts of Macbeth augments the play’s message that what is said is not always meant. Blood’s change in connotation from triumph, to treason, and finally to tempestuous guilt parallels the actions of Macbeth and his wife as the blood motif enhances the theme of equivocation.
Early in the play, the use of blood conveys glory in the battle between Scotland and Norway. As the Scottish leave victorious, the valiant efforts of Macbeth are commended by Malcolm when he distinguishes the “bloody man” as the soldier who freed him. Malcolm describes the sword of “brave Macbeth” as smoked with bloody execution as he killed Macdonwald and placed his head on the battlements. When Macbeth’s conve
However, as soon as Macbeth decides to kill Duncan in order fulfill the witches’ prophecy, the blood motif embodies betrayal and corruption. Before Macbeth goes to kill Duncan, his wife calls upon spirits to stop her remorse and “Make thick my blood.” As thin blood was seen as a symbol of wholesomeness, Lady Macbeth wishes to be evil. Macbeth and his wife then scheme to avert blame to the innocent, planning to “[mark] with blood those sleepy two.” When Macbeth brings back the bloody dagger after performing the “bloody business,” Lady Macbeth goes to spread Duncan’s blood on the “grooms withal,” further showing the effort and extent of her deceit.
As Macbeth changes from humble war hero to guilty and deceitful king, so does the connotatio
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