Use Of Blood In Macbeth

Macbeth Essay

Imagery is the use of symbols to convey an idea, to help us better understand the play or to create a specific mood for the audience. Shakespeare uses imagery in Macbeth often, the most common one used; is blood. This specific word is significant because he uses the word creatively to help with the development of the character Macbeth and the unfortunate events that occur in the play. The first mention of blood seems to establish a sense of honor. The second mention of blood is used to communicate betrayal and devilish behavior. Lastly the third allusion of blood appears to establish a sense of guilt for Lady Macbeth and Macbeth’s actions. These mentions of blood help to develop the atmosphere and scene which contribute to the

Macbeth's blood saturated sword after the battle portrays him as a brave hero for his bravery in killing the enemy. He is known as "Brave Macbeth" to everyone even Duncan, the King. For instance, the first example is "What bloody man is that?" (1.2 1 Shakespeare). This is the opening words of the play's second scene, when King Duncan asks about Macbeth to his sergeant. The sergeant then tells the story of Macbeth's heroic victories over Macdonwald and the King of Norway. The sergeant's telling of the story is in itself heroic, because he talks about his loss of blood and how it has made him weak. His blood and his heroism seem to make Macbeth look like a hero to the character. The significance of blood at the beginning of the play earns Macbeth’s respect from not only the characters, but also the

Macbeth now begins to realize the severity of his crime, and the consequences that he will face. For instance, when Macbeth tries to wash Duncan's ‘blood’ off his hands, "Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood / Clean from my hand? No; this hand will rather / The multitudinous seas incarnadine, / Making the green one red." (2.2 71-75 Shakespeare) This passage illustrates the act of murder has completely changed how the audience portrays Macbeth's character. No longer does the blood symbolize an image of ambition and heroism; it now symbolizes guilt, remorse, and an entry into the gates of hell from which no one can return. The gates of hell which he cannot return from symbolize that once the murder of Duncan has been committed he cannot undo his actions. This murder of Duncan shows the true colours of Macbeth and how he can go and kill his good friend just because he was pressured by his Lady Macbeth. In this passage Macbeth is saying that not even all the water in the ocean will wash the blood off his hands, he is beginning to realize the affects of his actions, and that he has done something truly evil. Like her husband, the once ambitious Lady Macbeth comes to realizes the significance of involving herself in the murder of Duncan, and the severe consequences it will bring. Lady Macbeth is being haunted by nightmares, hallucinations’, she also sleepwalks through her corridor