As children, we were all afraid of monsters that lurked in the shadow of night. Similarly, without this veil of darkness, Macbeth's evil deeds would have been disclosed. Not only is night used as a cover-up, but also as a foreshadowing tool that shows the state of morality in the play and characters. The use of the witches, the murders that occur, and the conflicts that Macbeth faces with his mental health exemplify the function of night. In Shakespeare's tragedy Macbeth, he uses the motif of night to show the mystery that surrounds Macbeth's fate, and the evil that infects and later consumes him.
The uncertainty of Macbeth's fate is shown within the odd atmosphere surrounding the three witches.In the exposition of Macbeth, the witches enter with thunder and lightning. The setting alone shows their evil nature, as they are followed by dark storms. After their entrance, the three witches chant, "Fair is foul, and foul is fair; Hover through the fog and filthy air" (I.i.12-13). This is mantra is an ideal example of the dark and dirty atmosphere that surrounds the witches. Further proving the connection between night and evil, Hecate exclaims, "Hark! I am called. My little spirit, see, Sits in a foggy cloud and stays for me" (III.vi.34-35). Shakespeare clearly depicts the mysterious and foggy conditions, which occur when the witches are present, exemplifying Shakespeare's evident connection between night and darkness with evil. .
Moreover, Shakespeare uses writing techniques to show evil as darkness in the murders committed that were conveniently committed at night. The most prominent murder in the play was that of Macbeth's dearest friend, Banquo. During his speech where he is proceeding to kill Banquo, Macbeth recounts, .
"Nature seems dead, and wicked dreams abuse.
The curtained sleep. Witchcraft celebrates.
Pale Hecate's off'rings, and withered murder,.
Alarumed by his sentinel, the wolf, Whose howl's his watch" (II.
