Macbeth Visual Analysis Essay

In Macbeth, ambition is one of the core themes in the play. My visual representation shows Macbeth’s path to obtaining the crown and its consequences. This is demonstrated visually through the use of colour, and symbolism. The colour blue shows light that surrounds Macbeth when he was respected and loyal soldiers before ambition took over. This light is overcome by darkness and evil as was his character when his ambition consumed him in his lust for power.

The shields symbolise the steps in which Macbeth took in order to for fill his ambition. He starts out as Thane of Glamis, then he is promoted to Thane of Cawdor. It is from position that he makes his final move to gaining the crown. This is shown through the symbol of a crown dripping with blood because he had to murder King Duncan in

order to for fill his ambition.
The drastic measures that Macbeth takes in his ambition for power change his nature and morals from a respected soldiers to an evil, ruthless, power hungry man. The consequences of his actions affect his state of mind and to be
Guilt is another key theme in Macbeth.

My visual representation shows how guilt affects the character and drives him to insanity. This is conveyed through the use of shape, colour and symbolism. The edges of the poster have a jagged and crumbling shape and look as though they are being eaten away. This demonstrates how guilt played on Macbeth’s conscience and slowly eroded his state of mind which leads him to insanity. Symbolism is another big part of this representation. The red eyes represent tired, sleepless eyes battling guilt. Every time the eyes close he sees the dreadful crime that he has committed, and by staying awake Macbeth does not have to be reminded of his murder of the king. They pairs of surrounding eyes around represent his fear and paranoia of those around him will discovering what he has done. These eyes are upon him because he is now king and he is unsure who he can trust fearful that he will be discovered as a murderer. The weight on top symbolises the constant pressure of this guilt bearing down on him and it continues to erode his sanity and judgement. Macbeth’s evil behaviour continues to spiral down ward causing him to take revenge on those around

him.
Revenge plays a major part in the storyline of Macbeth. My visual representation shows the desperation and anger that leads to revenge in Macbeth. This is shown through the use of colour, symbolism and vector lines. The colour red represents the anger that is built up inside of Macbeth also it reflects the blood that is shed in his desire for revenge. The dagger symbolises death and the way that Macbeth takes his revenge and also the way that Macduff and Malcom seek their revenge upon Macbeth. This revenge that they seek is symbolised by the falling, blood stained crown. Macbeth was not able to hold onto his throne because Malcom and Macduff killed him. The vector lines draw the eye to the dagger then to the blood dripping from the page. This conveys the cause and effect of revenge from the dagger to the flowing blood.