What Does The Candle Symbolize In Act 5 Scene 5 Of Macbeth

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In Act 5 Scene 5 of Macbeth, Shakespeare utilizes symbolism to adopt a hard-hearted tone, revealing to the audience that Macbeth has lost all sense of compassion. In this scene, Macbeth is notified that his wife has died and he simply reacts by stating she would have died eventually. Following these comments Macbeth again refers to her death by stating, ¨Out, out brief candle!¨ (5.5.23). This line refers to Lady Macbeth in the previous scene where she carried a candle with her everywhere she went. The candle symbolized her desire to separate herself from the darkness she once called upon to commit murder. The light was her attempt to hold onto her sense of humanity as she grew confused during an internal struggle with guilt. When Macbeth references

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