Shakespeare’s use of blood is significant; he uses it to develop the character of Macbeth and the unfolding events of the drama. The powerful symbolic meaning of blood changes from the beginning to the middle and then the end. In Act 1 Scene 2, a bloody solider brings good news to King Duncan about the rebellion that is unfolding. “Like a good and hardy solider” “Macbeth-well he deserves that name-disdaining fortune, with his brandished steel, which smoked with bloody execution…carved out his passage…till he unseamed him from the nave to th‘ chops.” This is seen as goods news because Macbeth has defeated Macdonwald and the battle is over. But as innocent as that one killing seems, it is the be

ginning of a bloodbath. Before Duncan’s murder, Macbeth imagines seeing a dagger floating in the air before him. He describes it, “And on thy blade and dudgeon gouts of blood, Which was not so before. There’s no such thing: It is the bloody business which informs Thus to mine eyes.” (Act 2 Scene 1) This blood imagery shows how Macbeth‘s mind is becoming dark and corrupt. Blood, once seen as a positive value, is now associated with evil.

The theme of blood runs consistently throughout the play. Whether it be in actions or in words, Shakespeare was able to produce a horrific image within the audience’s heads; creating a dark and depressing setting. The repetition of the word emphasized the evilness of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, but it also proved to be a sign of hope in the beginning and end of the play.

Lady Macbeth is also noticeably affected by the image of blood; she began making references to it even before the murder of Duncan. In her pleading to the spirits, Lady Macbeth prays, "Make thick my blood" (Act 1 Scene 6) in order that she may not feel any "remorse" for the course of action she

Some topics in this essay:
Scotland Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, King Duncan, William Shakespeare, Lady Macbeth’s, Duncan Banquo, lady macbeth, 5 scene, 5 scene 8, act 5 scene, scene 8, act 5, 1 scene, act 1, , throughout play, actions words, murder duncan, scene 1, act 1 scene,