Symbolism In Macbeth - 1097 Words

In William Shakespeares Macbeth, symbolism plays a prominent role to emphasize the theme of corruption of power. Throughout the play there are several main symbols repeatedly used to emphasize this theme. The contrast of light and dark representing good and evil, blood representing guilt, murder, and pain, and the archetypal pattern of purification by using water represents removal of guilt, cleansing and peace. Symbolism is used repeatedly to emphasize the theme of corruption of power. The image of blood plays an important role throughout Macbeth. Blood represents the murders that Macbeth had committed, the guilt that went along with the murders and the pain that it brought on him during his downfall. The soldier describes the†¦show more content†¦In Macbeth, light represents the good while the darkness symbolised the evil within the play. At some point in during the time Macbeth was written, the king was usually associated with the sunset. In the play, the witches pronounce, When shall we three meet again, When the battles lost and won. That will be ere the set of the sun. (I. i. 1, 4, 5) This foreshadows the death of King Duncan. Throughout the play, there is continuous contrast of light and dark imagery. Ross says, And yet dark night strangles the travelling lamp. (II. iv. 8) This shows how evil will overcome Macbeths moral conscience and this foreshadows Macbeths transformation from a good captain to an evil, ambitious leader. Throughout the play, the events of corruption and unusualness occur at night. The murder of King Duncan, Banquo, Lady Macbeths sleepwalking, and the witches, all take place at night. Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep desires. (I. iv. 50-51) demonstrates Macbeths step toward evil as he talks about the murder of King Duncan. During Lady Macbeths scene in which she is sleepwalking, there is epitome of the light and darkness symbol contrast. She has her light by her continually; ‘tis her command. (V. i. 19), symbolizes the fear Lady Macbeth now has for the darkness and evil. She had once desired the darkness but she now carries the candle, light, to drive out the darkness. During the murders, there was aShow MoreRelatedSymbolism In Macbeth1622 Words   |  7 PagesIn William Shakespeares dramatic tragedy â€Å"Macbeth†, the historic playwright utilizes the play in order to convey a dark, dreadful, perception of life. As he highlights the inevitability of death and the tra gic, dark, and sometimes meaningless moments littered throughout it. This can be seen through numerous characters most vitally through Macbeth himself, but also through the fascinating character that is the Porter/Seyton. The playwright also develops an impeccably and overwhelmingly morbid overlyingRead MoreSymbolism Of Blood In Macbeth766 Words   |  4 PagesConsidered to be Shakespeare’s most bloody work, Macbeth portrays its plot perfectly: Macbeth’s bloody rise to power and his tragic downfall. Throughout the play, the symbolism of blood advances this plot. We are introduced to Macbeth as a brave soldier without flaw, but he soon becomes consumed with achieving his â€Å"fated† future. From the moment Macbeth murdered Duncan, the symbolism of blood represents throughout the play his conscience, his dynamic character change, and his and Lady Macbeth’s guiltRead MoreSymbolism Of Macbeth By William Shakespeare1099 Words   |  5 Pages Macbeth draft In the tragic story of Macbeth by William Shakespeare, the blood takes an important role of symbolism because throughout the play the recurring image of blood is used as a symbol to demonstrate the constant feeling of guilt felt by the characters,ultimately leading to their endless feelings of fears and horror , and how blood reflects changes in Lady Macbeth and Macbeth’s characters .A symbol contains several layers of meaningRead MoreEssay on Images, Imagery, Symbols, and Symbolism in Macbeth1723 Words   |  7 PagesImagery and Symbolism in Macbeth  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚   With its eye-opening plot and interesting cast of characters, William Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth is one of the greatest works one could ever read. But, above all, the aspect of the play is most impressive and overwhelming with imagery and symbolism that Shakespeare so brilliantly uses. Throughout the play, the author depicts various types of imagery and symbolism instances that, eventually, lead to the downfall of the main character, Macbeth.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Read More Images, Imagery, Symbols, and Symbolism in Macbeth Essay610 Words   |  3 PagesImagery and Symbolism in Macbeth   Ã‚  Ã‚   In Macbeth, William Shakespeare uses extensive imagery and symbolism throughout the course of his play.   Shakespeare uses this imagery and symbolism so that the reader may gain a deeper understanding and feeling for the happenings of this tragedy.   This is further demonstrated by Shakespeares use of darkness in Macbeth.   As one of the more noticeable and important symbols, darkness represents many different elements in the play.   First and foremostRead MoreSymbolism that Represents the Theme of Corruption in Shakespeares MacBeth1043 Words   |  5 PagesSymbolism in MacBeth Symbolism plays an important role to emphasize the theme of corruption of power in William Shakespeares Macbeth. Throughout the play there are several main symbols repeatedly used to emphasize this theme. The contrast of light and dark representing good and evil, blood representing guilt, murder, and pain, and the archetypal pattern of purification by using water represents removal of guilt, cleansing and peace. Symbolism is used repeatedly to emphasize the theme of corruptionRead MoreSymbolism in Macbeth: Dagger, Ghosts, and Threes Essay1195 Words   |  5 PagesThroughout the play Macbeth there have been many symbols that have been proven to be significant throughout the play. Of the many I will discuss the importance of The number three, the dagger, and Banquos ghost.They are all always lingering in the play but not expressed in literal terms. A symbol is using an object or action that means something more than its literal meaning These symbols role in Macbeth are to provide a g reater meaning to the play. Shakespeare has been known for creating playsRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s Macbeth 1289 Words   |  6 Pages16, 2015 Macbeth Literary Essay In this 16th century, classic play about a man hungry for power by William Shakespeare there are many intense instances of symbolism used to demonstrate and prove Macbeth’s feelings and behaviour throughout the book. Good symbolism makes you feel what the character feels when reading a story. In the story, â€Å"Macbeth†, Macbeth is shown to be a sly and deceiving person who betrayed his kingdom for his own gain. Three important symbols used to show Macbeth s greedRead MoreThrone Of Blood, By Akira Kurasawa1205 Words   |  5 PagesBlood, is often viewed as an interpretation of William Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth. Both works follow a similar story line and address themes that are relevant to a modern audience. One major theme in both works is the idea that absolute power corrupts mankind. William Shakespeare and Akira Kurasawa both address this theme of power corruption through the use of symbolism and emotion. While Throne of Blood is based off of Macbeth, it is portrayed very differently than the original text. The 1957 filmRead MoreBlood Imagery in Macbeth857 Words   |  4 PagesShakespeare is legendary for his uses of symbolism. No other example is as evident as the bloody hands of Macbeth and his obsession with them. Macbeth has killed King Duncan and doesn’t stop there, he kills the guards making Duncan’s sons flee. This gives Macbeth the throne. However he becomes overwhelmed with the guilt. Shakespeare uses blood to show how it reminds Macbeth of the violent acts he has committed and how he has become obsessed with the blood on his hands. Initially the blood represents