Light and Dark Imagery Depicted in Shakespeare's Macbeth

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The natural order of the world is disrupted; this is made obvious from the start of the play. Even though they generally speak in riddle, the three witches are significant characters because of their foresight and knowledge of future atmosphere.

‘Fair is foul and foul is fair.’

~Act 1, Scene 1~

Because this chant is towards the beginning of the play, the audience immediately see the supernatural control over things.

Throughout the play of Macbeth the audience is made aware of the differences in dark and light. This could be seen as being metaphorical for many other binary oppositions one of which being good and evil. This example supports the power of the witches, representing evil and the dark.

Another scene that shows Macbeth is a play of light and dark is act 1 scene 4 Macbeth whispers to himself.

‘Stars; hide your fires / let not light see my black and deep desires’

~Act 1, Scene 4~

The dark is seen as a mask that can disguise and hide, this is foreshadowed when King Duncan at the announcement of his successor says; ‘but signs of nobleness, like stars, shall s...

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