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Symbolism and Imagry in Macbeth

            In William Shakespeare's Macbeth, symbolism and imagery are both widely used in illustrating the overall theme of murder. Throughout the play, Shakespeare depicts various types of symbolism and imagery that leads to the downfall of the protagonist, Macbeth. The contrast of light and dark representing good and evil plays a major role in the plot of the play. Blood symbolizes murder and guilt. The symbol of clothing is particularly used to suggest the hiding of ones true self is also widely used in order to achieve the general theme of evil. The image of animals also plays a large role in portraying evil as well.
             One of the most prominent symbolic factors in the play is light and dark which represent good and evil. When Macbeth was written, the king was commonly associated with the sun. The sunset symbolized his death or him being overthrown. The quotes "When shall we three meet again- and "That will be ere the set of the sun." both foreshadow the king's death. This imagery of light and dark continues throughout the play. "Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my back and deep desires." This demonstrates Macbeth's first step towards evil. Most of the evil or more unusual scenes in Macbeth, for example the murders, Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking scene, and the appearances of the witches, all occur when it is dark outside. Lady Macbeth's sleep walking scene is the perfect example of the light and dark symbol. She once wanted darkness to hide herself, but she carried a candle so she contradicted herself. The line, "She has light by her continually; "tis her command.", symbolizes Lady Macbeth's fear of darkness and or evil. .
             The image of blood also plays an important role in the play. From the first appearance of the bloody Sargent in the second scene to the very last scene, there is this continual vision of blood all through the play. This imagery of blood seems to affect just about every character in the play.


Essays Related to Symbolism and Imagry in Macbeth

1. Macbeth in contrast to Symbolizm

In literature, many types of literary elements such as mood, setting, irony, symbolism, and theme are used to convey the author's ideas and visions. Symbolism in novels is used to display a hidden meaning to things that some might not notice right off the bat. One such play that uses the literary element of symbolism to its fullest extent is Macbeth, by William Shakespeare. ... "Understanding Macbeth" Lucent Books copyright 2002... The most important part of the play where the symbolism of sleep is used is when Macbeth is speaking to his wife, Lady Macbeth about the murder of Dun...

  • Word Count: 814
  • Approx Pages: 3
  • Grade Level: High School

2. Macbeth - Evil Triumphs, Never Conquers

A literary work that supports this quote is Macbeth by William Shakespeare through the use of tragic flaw, characterization, conflict, foil, irony, and symbolism. ... The eradication of evil is also exemplified due to internal forces through the use of irony and symbolism. ... Also, symbolism is used to prove this as well. ... This exemplifies how the internal influence of guilt, realization, and the use of symbolism destroy evil in the end. ... " Through the use of tragic flaw, characterization, conflict, foil, irony, and symbolism, the literary work portrays that people are driven by e...

  • Word Count: 917
  • Approx Pages: 4
  • Grade Level: High School

3. Blood Imagery in Macbeth

As Macbeth and Lady Macbeth's attitudes and feelings alter after Duncan's murder, the meaning of blood alters as well. The symbolism of blood changes from courage to evil to guilt as Macbeth and Lady Macbeth not only become guiltier and more resentful, but also more comfortable as the murders progress. ... The symbolism of blood switches from courage to evil before Duncan is murdered. ... The blood represents the guilt that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth will try to hide. ... By changing the symbolism of blood throughout Macbeth, Shakespeare depicts how the act of killing shifts as well a...

  • Word Count: 1094
  • Approx Pages: 4
  • Grade Level: High School

4. Imagery In Macbeth

In Shakespeare's play "Macbeth," imagery is skillfully used to give readers a deeper look into the true character of Macbeth, and in some instances, the character of Lady Macbeth. ... Macbeth's character changes throughout the play are characterized by the symbolism in the blood he sheds. ... Macbeth convinces himself to commit the crime, and proceeds to murder the King. ... This passage illustrates that the act of murder has changed Macbeth's character. ... Shakespeare uses blood imagery to increase the audience's understanding of Macbeth's and Lady Macbet...

  • Word Count: 727
  • Approx Pages: 3
  • Grade Level: High School

5. The Beast Of The Lord Of The Flies

Symbolism was just as vivid in Shakespeare's MacBeth. MacBeth had a tragic flaw which ultimately restricted him from conquering his goal. ... Macbeth finds himself King, abuses his power and then gets killed. ... Both Golding's Lord of the Flies and Shakespeare's MacBeth use symbolism to convey their literary messages. ... The beast is more of an internal conflict/symbolism where the witches are more of a physical conflict/symbolism. ...

  • Word Count: 430
  • Approx Pages: 2
  • Grade Level: High School

6. Macbeth and the Theme of Betrayal

Shakespeare uses symbolism, soliloquies, and dramatic irony to get this overlying theme of betrayal. In the beginning of Macbeth, three witches portray Macbeth's future by telling him he will become Thane of Cawdor, and then King of Scotland. When Macbeth becomes Thane of Cawdor, Macbeth begins to believe the witches are telling the truth. Macbeth tells his wife, Lady Macbeth, about this coincidence which then begins the unwinding trail of events that lead to Macbeth's downfall. Macbeth is a trusted soldier, trusted by his army and by his king but Lady Macbeth, as well as the need ...

  • Word Count: 523
  • Approx Pages: 2
  • Grade Level: High School

7. Macbeth - The Use of Blood Imagery

The captain describes the battle to Duncan, and praises "Brave Macbeth". He says that Macbeth's sword " smoked with bloody execution... Lady Macbeth smears Duncan's chamber guards with the King's blood, in order to make them look guilty of the "bloody business", as Macbeth calls the murder. ... The theme of blood can therefore be seen as a cycle: The Honourable Macbeth, becomes the Treacherous Macbeth after murdering Duncan, and soon after becomes the Guilty Macbeth, and then is killed himself by the Honourable Macduff, which then completes the cycle. The use of the blood...

  • Word Count: 556
  • Approx Pages: 2
  • Grade Level: High School

8. MacBeth

In reading Shakespeare''s well-known play, Macbeth, one will always notice the many influences that Macbeth encounters before his downfall. ... They recount to Macbeth three prophecies. ... Later on in act three, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are hosting a dinner when Macbeth notices the appearance of Banquo. ... Each of these apparitions has obvious symbolism and is the witches next attempt in showing Macbeth his superiority and his inevitability. ... This causes Macbeth to go into great shock. ...

  • Word Count: 1808
  • Approx Pages: 7
  • Grade Level: High School

9. MacBeth

In reading Shakespeare''s well-known play, Macbeth, one will always notice the many influences that Macbeth encounters before his downfall. ... They recount to Macbeth three prophecies. ... Later on in act three, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are hosting a dinner when Macbeth notices the appearance of Banquo. ... Each of these apparitions has obvious symbolism and is the witches next attempt in showing Macbeth his superiority and his inevitability. ... This causes Macbeth to go into great shock. ...

  • Word Count: 1825
  • Approx Pages: 7
  • Grade Level: High School

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