Symbolism in Macbeth :: William Shakespeare

In William Shakespeares Macbeth, symbolism is abundantly use in exemplifying the overall theme of murder. There are several(prenominal) prominent forms of this throughout the play. The contrast of light and dark opposeing good and sinfulness plays a major role in the advancement of events in the lay. alliance symbolizes murder and guilt. The archetypal pattern of purification by water is employ several times in the play, particularly in the murder scenes. symbolic representation is widely displayed in order to enhance 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 sun chasten(a) symbolized his death or overthrow. The quotes When shall we three meet again. . . and That will be ere the set of sun. (342) foreshadow the kings death. The protrudery of light and dark continues throughout the play. Stars, hide your fires, allow not light see my black an d deep desires. (352) demonstrates Macbeths step toward evil. nearly 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 at a time craved the darkness but now carries a candle to crock up it. The line, She has light by her continually, tis her command. (410), symbolizes Lady Macbeths fear of darkness or evil. The image of blood plays an important role in the event of Duncans murder. It represents Macbeths guilt and disgrace about the horrific crime. After violent death the king, Macbeth comments on his blood dye 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 ill at ease(predicate) with blood on h is hands. He immediately tries to remove it after killing the guards. 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 grievous him, A little water clears us of the deed, (365) Later in the play, Lady Macbeth repeatedly rubs her hands together, representing washing her hands.