Essay on Symbolic Meaning of Blood in Macbeth by William...

Shakespeare, in his work Macbeth, uses many forms of imagery to grasp the attention of the audience. His particular use of blood imagery is highly prevalent in Macbeth, a play set during the tumultuous 11th century – a century filled with unrest and uneasiness (as seen in the unification of Scotland, and the famous Norman conquest of Britain in 1066). Shakespeare’s use of blood follows a circular motion; it begins as a representation of honour, and progresses into one of guilt, then evil and finally returns to represent honour. The symbolic use of blood, forms in the opening lines of Macbeth after accepting honour for his bravery in battle. His sword, â€Å"smoked with bloody execution† signifies valiant fighting as a brave soldier, and he is†¦show more content†¦Lady Macbeth, unlike her husband, does not show any guilt or sorrow directly after their diabolical act of regicide, until her fevered sleepwalking, where she exposes her guilt using the most blatant example of blood imagery – the whole murder, in detail. â€Å"Will these hands never be clean? Here’s the smell of blood still.† She can no longer feel that water will simply wash away the blood – and thus, guilt – and it is this thought that drives her to suicide. Imagery should evoke all senses in the audience or reader. It is for this reason that Shakespeare uses blood imagery in Macbeth. Using this method, Shakespeare reveals the transformation of the tragedy’s main characters and evokes varying emotional responses from the audience. This imagery also intensifies the excitement and enhances the treachery of the crimes. The blood imagery in Macbeth is significant for several reasons. Primarily, it signifies that the essence of the victims’ life has left; and, as such, it symbolizes the loss of true humanness in Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, who share responsibility for the murders. For, in shedding the blood of the god-like Duncan and the good Banquo, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth become stained with the sin of their bloody deeds. Finally, with so much imagery of blood, the horror of Macbeth’s heinous deeds leaves a lasting effect uponShow MoreRelatedEssay on Use of Blood in Shakespeares Macbeth943 Words   |  4 PagesUse of B lood in Macbeth  Ã‚        Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the play ‘Macbeth’, Shakespeare uses brutal imagery, with association of blood.   The mood of disgust and horror towards the characters and setting is established by the references to the universal representation of death and pain. The first mention of blood seems to establish a sense of honor. 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