Symbolism in Macbeth :: William Shakespeare

In William Shakespeares Macbeth, symbolism is abundantly used in exemplifying the overall theme of murder. There are several prominent forms of this end-to-end the play. The contrast of unhorse and dark representing good and evil plays a major role in the advancement of events in the lay. Blood symbolizes murder and guilt. The archetypal mould of purification by water is used several times in the play, particularly in the murder scenes. Symbolism is widely displayed in order to lift the awk of evil. Light and dark represent good and evil in the play. During the time in which Macbeth was written, the king was associated with the sun. The sunset symbolized his death or overthrow. The quotes When shall we three meet again. . . and That go out be ere the set of sun. (342) foreshadow the kings death. The imagery of light and dark continues throughout the play. Stars, hide your fires, Let not light see my black and deep desires. (352) demonstrates Macbeths tint toward evil. Most of the corrupt or unusual events in Macbeth occur under a cloak of darkness. The murders, Lady Macbeths sleepwalking, and the appearance of the witches all take place at night. Lady Macbeths sleepwalking scene is the epitome of the light/darkness symbol. She once craved the darkness but now carries a candle to dispel it. The line, She has light by her continually, tis her command. (410), symbolizes Lady Macbeths fear of darkness or evil. The image of declivity plays an important role in the event of Duncans murder. It represents Macbeths guilt and shame about the unconscionable crime. After killing the king, Macbeth comments on his blood stained hands by saying, As they had seen me with these hangmans hands. (364) Macbeth refuses to return to the crime scene to smear blood on the guards, fearing the blood will somehow implicate him further. Macbeth feels uncomfortable with blood on his hands. He immediately tries to remove it after killing the guard s. The archetypal pattern of purification by water is prominent in the play. It symbolizes the removal of guilt. Following the murder of Duncan, Lady Macbeth reassures her husband by telling him, A little water clears us of the act, (365) Later in the play, Lady Macbeth repeatedly rubs her hands together, representing washing her hands.