Dramatic Use of Images of Blood in William Shakespeare's Macbeth

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Dramatic Use of Images of Blood in William Shakespeare's Macbeth

'Macbeth' is the story of a nobleman, who, while trying to fulfil a

prophecy told to him by three witches, murders his king to cause his

ascension to the throne of Scotland. After the King's death, Macbeth

reigns as a cruel and ruthless tyrant who is forced to kill more

people to keep control of the throne. Finally, Scottish rebels

combined with English forces attack Macbeth's castle. A Scottish thane

named Macduff, who has sacrificed everything and whose family was

killed by this tyrant, then kills Macbeth in the closing scene.

Considering the fact that many people are killed in 'Macbeth', the

number of murders committed on-stage is minimal.

We have known blood to represent life, death, and often injury. Blood

is an essential part of life, and without blood, we could not live.

Shakespeare uses this fact to create imagery to represent treason,

murder, guilt, and death. These ideas are constant throughout the

play.

King Duncan is the first to mention blood, and he does so in the

second scene of the play. At this time, Scotland has defeated Norway;

Macbeth and his best friend, Banquo, have led the Scottish forces to

victory. The blood in this scene is depicted as showing honour and

heroism. Duncan sees an injured Sergeant and says: "What bloody man is

that?". This is symbolic of the brave fighter who has been injured in

a valiant battle for his country. In the next passage, in which the

Sergeant says: "Which smok'd with bloody execution", he is referring

to Macbeth's braveness in which he covered his sword in the hot blood

of the enemy.

Macbeth's brutality ...

... middle of paper ...

...are conveys the theme of death, murder and

treason through the imagery of blood effectively. Blood, being an

important part of essential life, is a perfect metaphor for death and

murder. It is an successful symbol and it is used well throughout the

play. He uses this blood imagery to enhance the audience's

understanding of Macbeth's character and the audience has now

witnessed the complete transformation of Macbeth. He starts as a

noble, brave and just person. He gradually becomes evil, ambitious and

treacherous during and after Duncan's murder, after his initial

feelings of remorse for his crime. He finally realises that he will be

punished for his sins.

Due to these many changes, it has been proved that the symbol of blood

has different meanings, which can be attributed to it throughout the

course of this play.

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