In William Shakespear's Macbeth, symbolism is abundantly used in exemplifying the overall
theme of murder. There are several prominent forms of this throughout the play. The
contrast of light and dark representing good and evil plays a major role in the
advancement of events in the play. Blood symbolizes murder and guilt. The archetypal
pattern of purification by water is used several times in the play, particularly in the
murder scenes. Symbolism is widely displayed in order to achieve the general topic of
evil.
Light and dark represent good and evil in the play. During the time in which Macbeth
was written, the king was associated with the sun. The sunset symbolized his death or
overthrow. The quotes "When shall we three meet again . . . " and "That will be ere the
set of sun." (I. i. 1,4) foreshadow the king's death. The imagery of light and dark
continues throughout the play. "Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and
deep desires." (I. iv. 50-51) demonstrates Macbeth's step toward evil. Most of the
corrupt or unusual events in Macbeth occur under a cloak of darkness. The murders, Lady
Macbeth's sleepwalking, and the appearance of the witches all take place at night. Lady
Macbeth's sleepwalking scene is the epitome of the light/darkness symbol. She once
craved the darkness but now carries a candle to dispel it. The line, "She has light by
her continually; 'tis her command." (V. i. 19), symbolizes Lady Macbeth's fear of
darkness or evil.
The image of blood plays an important role in the event of Duncan's murder. It
represents Macbeth's guilt and shame about the horrific crime. After killing the king,
Macbeth comments on his blood stained hands by saying, "As they had seen me with these
hangman's hands." (II. ii. 28) Macbeth refuses to return to the crime scene to smear
blood on the guards, fearing the blood will somehow implicate him further. Macbeth feels
uncomfortable with blood on his hands. He immediately tries to remove it after killing
the guards.
The archetypal pattern of purification by water is prominent in the play. It symbolizes
the removal of guilt. Following the murder of Duncan, Lady Macbeth reassures her husband
by telling him, "A little water clears us of the deed"; (I. ii. 67) Later in the play,
Lady Macbeth repeatedly rubs her hands together, representing washing her hands. She
hopes to clear her conscience by removing the "spot" from her hand, as she says, "Out,
damned spot! out, I say! . . . " (V. i. 31) Water symbolizes the purification of a
guilty conscience.
Symbolism plays an important role in Shakespear's Macbeth. It is used in numerous forms
to relate the overall theme of murder to the actions of Macbeth. Light and darkness
represent good and evil respectively. Blood represents Macbeth's and his wife's guilt
about Duncan's murder. Water symbolizes purification of the conscience. These symbols
effectively portray the ominous theme of murder in Macbeth.
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