The Role of Imagery and Symbolism in Macbeth

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In the play of Macbeth, imagery and symbolism is greatly used. Night vs. Day is a very significant image reoccurring throughout the course of Macbeth. It is found to be reoccurring throughout Macbeth because of the many events changing drastically throughout the play. It shows how Macbeth’s character changes throughout the day. This theme of Night vs. Day also concerns many other individuals from the story. This incorporates the three witches, Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, and Macduff. More often than the others, Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, and the three witches were mainly the ones who drew more attention to the theme. The imagery of Night vs. Day is very important in bringing in the theme of evil because of the different elements included in the play. Appearance vs. Reality falls into the same category. As day goes by, his character changes by showing the reality behind him at night. Sleeplessness, guilt, murder and the witches’ prophecies are very relevant to the theme and imagery as the drama unfolds. The reoccurring image reflects many times in the story as only one result, of ill omen.

The reoccurring image of Night vs. Day is very significant to the plot of Macbeth because otherwise, the entire story line would be definitely twisted. As Macbeth’s main motive is to eliminate his “enemies”, he gets very tangled into this type of work. His first task, to kill Duncan was done at night which set off the image. As days go by, the guilt of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth build up and they start differentiating between Day and Night. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth both start to lose their sleep. As a result, they become very disturbed, especially during the day. This is when they start to await for the night as so Macbeth may continue on his deeds that...

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...ne had to be coloured black as this colour represents darkness which at night, it is always dark. The colour also represented evil that symbolized the deeds being done at night. The day scene had to be coloured green to show a beautiful day and a beautiful day is very green and sunny. This symbolized nature and how calm it could be. Compared to the other side which showed a raven and a dead tree which symbolized how a nice day can be ruined. The middle section where the silhouette was placed, were colours of emotions as said before that described different emotions that were effectively sowing how feelings were changed from day to night.

To sum up, the image chosen was very significant to the plot of Macbeth and was effectively portrayed through images, and colours. The reflection is showing that how a person’s character can change throughout the course of one day.

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