Macbeth Essay, Research Paper

Imagery in Macbeth

Imagery, the art of making images, the product of imagination (Merriam-

Webster). Shakespeare uses many forms of imagery in his writing of Macbeth. Three main

forms of imagery in this play are blood, light and darkness, and clothing. Within each form

of this imagery Shakespeare incorporates symbols that the reader must understand if they

are to interpret either the passage or the play as a whole.

In Macbeth blood symbolizes many things. We have all known blood to represent

life, death, and often injury. In the play, Shakespeare uses blood to represent treason,

guilt, murder, and death. Shakespeare uses the word blood many times throughout

Macbeth. The best way to describe how the image of blood changes throughout the play is

by following the character changes in Macbeth and his wife, Lady Macbeth. The first

reference to blood is on pg.113 Act I scene ii, when Duncan states “What bloody man is

that?” The symbolism of blood in this quote is that of honor. This quote is symbolic of the

fighter who has just been injured in battle. The symbol of blood begins to change to a form

of treachery and treason as the play moves on. Such as seen on pg.124 Act I scene v when

lady Macbeth asks the spirits “Make thick my blood.” In this quote she wants to make

herself insensitive towards the deeds that she is about to commit. Towards the end of the

play blood symbolizes guilt. This is best seen on pg. 176 Act V scene ii, when Lady

Macbeth states “Out, damned spot! Out, I say! One: two: why, then ’tis time to do ‘t.” In

this quote Lady Macbeth is remembering the night of the murder. It is the guilt in her soul

that is making hr have these recurring nightmares. The last symbolism of blood is on pg.

185 Act II scene viii when Macduff states “I have no words: my voice is in my sword,

thou bloodier villian than terms can give thee out!” In this quote the imagery of blood

again begins to deal with honor.

The second form of imagery Shakespeare uses is light and darkness. In the play

Macbeth Shakespeare uses the witches, the guilt in Macbeth’s soul, and the darkness of the

night to establish the atmosphere. The immoral scenes of the play seem to take place at

night. For instance, the vision of the dagger, the murder of Duncan, the murder of

Banquo, and Lady Macbeth’s sleep walking. In the opening scene the witches set the

mood of the play. A great storm of thunder and lightning is taking place one of the witches

ask “When shall we meet again?” One replies ” That will be ere set of sun.” This is

foreshadowing the evil that takes place in the night. Another example of evil and the dark

is on pg. 123 Act I scene iv when Macbeth states “Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see

my black and deep desires.” In this quote you can capture Macbeth’s first step towards

evil.

The final form of imagery in Macbeth is clothing. Clothing is used to represent the

ambition of Macbeth. The first perception of this ambition is evident on pg. 121 Act I

scene iv when Banquo states ” New honors came upon him, Like our strange garments,

cleave not to their mold but with the aid of use.” Banguo is simply saying that new clothes

don’t just fit your body, they have to become accustoms to you. Another reference of

clothing is on pg. 127 Act I scene vii Macbeth states “We will proceed no further in this

business: He hath honored me of late, and I have brought. Golden opinions from all sorts

of people, which would be worn now in their newest gloss, Not cast aside so soon.” Here

he is comparing being recently named Thane of Cawdor to a new set of clothes. He

believes that he is not ready to be king, and thus not ready for a new set of clothes.

As you have seen imagery plays an important role in Macbeth. One can see this

through the images of blood, light and darkness, and clothing. It was Macbeth’s ambition

that lead to his downfall, he was just not fit to be king, this was shown through clothing.

Darkness represented evil and deceit. Blood, the most dominant symbol in the play, shows

the changes in Macbeth’s character, from the start of the play to end. Shakespeare gives

meaning and power to the play through his imagery. Without it, this play may not have

had such a momentous impact on its readers.