How Does Shakespeare Use Symbols In Macbeth

William Shakespeare explores many themes and motifs throughout the work of Macbeth. He frequently uses the motif of serpents to symbolize malicious intents and actions of the characters. Snakes are symbolic in many ways throughout the book, meaning they inherit various interpretations. The imagery of snakes in Macbeth is evident through the concept of “two-faced” people. Referring back to the text it states, “False face must hide what the false heart doth know,”(Act 1, scene 7). From the quote above it is evident how Macbeth is portraying his innocence although he knows he is guilty. He is purposely hiding his ambitions and greed in return for the throne. This clearly illustrates the insincerity of his character.
Along the same lines, the

flower is also drawn to represent a strong understanding of the book. The theme of the flower includes how the things seen on the outside is not always the same as the inside. The flower is primarily drawn to depict the innocence the characters disguise themselves in to hide their true intentions. For instance, Macbeth can be interpreted as the flower because his intentions are seen to be very different from what he acts to be on the outside. Macbeth exclaims, “Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep desires. The eye wink at the hand, yet let that be Which the eye fears, when it is done, to see,”(Act 1, scene 4). This quote shows how Macbeth wants to hide his true desires from others, proving he is innocent on the outside.
Another symbolism in the painting is the bloody dagger. The dagger represents the violence and murder signs that are seen throughout the play. Act 2, scene 1 states, “I see thee still, And on thy blade and dudgeon gouts of blood, Which was not so before. There’s no such thing. It is the bloody business which informs Thus to mine eyes.” The dagger on a similar note symbolizes the theme of guilt. The tangible and the imaginative dagger from the scene above in which Macbeth prepares to murder Duncan can be seen as a form of guilt. The blood, therefore, represents the unforgivable sin done by Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in order to obtain the crown and power.