Imagery in Macbeth - 848 Words

Imagery in Macbeth â€Å"Violence and the bloodshed that results are important symbols in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. While the blood that is shed is a tangible reminder of the outcomes of misused power, it also serves as an image that provokes Macbeth to reflect upon his deeds, even if he does not change his behavior. Macbeth becomes obsessed with the blood on his hands. Unfortunately, this reminder of his guilt does not prevent him from continuing violent acts.† -Marshall Mc Luhan. Macbeth, one of the most intriguing tragedies by Shakespeare, has an extensive use of imagery throughout the play. References to blood and other abstract objects set the tone of various scenes in the play- to pace the action, to characterize the nature of death and†¦show more content†¦All present question this â€Å"bloody piece of work†, and King Duncan’s two sons decide that the Scottish nation is no longer safe for them, as the murderer may now focus his attention on them. Hence, they escape from Scotland, Malcolm goes to England, and Donaldbain seeks refuge in Ireland. Post Banquo’s murder, the references to blood increase even further, with quotes like,† don’t shake thy gory locks at me† becoming all the more common. The murderers, whom Macbeth had hired to kill Banquo, describe his body lying in a ditch with â€Å"twenty trenched gashes on his head†. The imagery of blood is shown in such a way that there is a profuse amount of blood flowing after every murder in the play. These references to blood observe their peak with Lady Macbeth’s imagined blood and the battlefield which form a crescendo to conglomerate all the murders performed in the play. â€Å"Out damned spot. Out, I say! One two!† a passing reference is also made by the ‘second apparition’ to Macbeth, â€Å"be bloody, bold and resolute†. Because blood forms the prologue and epilogue of every murder in the play, it sets the ball rolling for the wave of action in the play. The fact that blood imagery predominates in the play gives the play a tinge of horror.† â€Å"It will have blood, they say. Blood will have blood† However, blood is not the only abstract object referred to in the play. Passing references have been made continuously at animals, plants and even garments. †Look likeShow MoreRelatedMacbeth - Imagery in Macbeth1331 Words   |  6 Pageshe uses many forms of imagery. Imagery, the art of making images, the products of imagination. In the play Macbeth Shakespeare applies the imagery of clothing, darkness and blood. (listed from least to most), Each detail is his imagery, it seems to contain an important symbol of the play. Symbols that the reader must understand if they are to interpret either the passage or the play as a whole. Within the play Macbeth the imagery of clothing portrays that Macbeth is seeking to hide hisRead MoreEssay on Imagery in Macbeth1147 Words   |  5 Pagesutilize it as effective imagery in their literary works. British playwright William Shakespeare uses blood imagery in many of his plays, one prevalent example being Macbeth. In Macbeth, Shakespeare uses blood imagery to symbolize guilt, foreshadow negative events, and develop Macbeth as a tragic hero. In his famous tragedy Macbeth, Shakespeare uses blood imagery to symbolize the guilt of both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. For example, as soon as he murders King Duncan, Macbeth, regretful and guilt-riddenRead MoreThe Use Of Imagery In Macbeth1428 Words   |  6 PagesImagery is defined as a vehicle to represent objects, ideas, and actions using figurative language, in a way that appeals to our physical senses, Shakespeare was an expert at employing this technique in his works, with one of his most famous and renowned, Macbeth, using this device to perfection. Macbeth is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, illustrating the psychological effects of political ambition on those who seek power for its own sake. Shakespeare utilizes imagery numerous times throughoutRead MoreMacbeth Imagery Blood1442 Words   |  6 PagesBlood Imagery in Macbeth Shakespeare’s plays are well known for the richness of their imagery. This is particularly true in Macbeth and the many allusions to blood. The use of blood imagery gives the reader some foresight into what is going on in the play and how the characters are thinking and feeling. Blood is used to represent heroics on the battlefield, evil and murderous inclinations, and ultimately guilt and shame. Shakespeare uses the symbol of blood to give the readers insight intoRead MoreImagery in Macbeth Essay669 Words   |  3 PagesImagery in Macbeth Shakespeares powerful imagery has never been more apparent than in Macbeth. He begins the play with a startling image of three witches chanting in a furious thunderstorm, Fair is foul, and foul is fair. Hover through the fog and filthy air (1.1.10-11). The eerie chanting creates a dark, mysterious tone that leaves the reader feeling uncomfortable and expecting odd and evil things to happen. Later, when Macbeth and Banquo come across the three weirdRead MoreBlood Imagery in Macbeth857 Words   |  4 Pagesevident as the bloody hands of Macbeth and his obsession with them. Macbeth has killed King Duncan and doesn’t stop there, he kills the guards making Duncan’s sons flee. This gives Macbeth the throne. However he becomes overwhelmed with the guilt. Shakespeare uses blood to show how it reminds Macbeth of the violent acts he has committed and how he has become obsessed with the blood on his hands. Initially the blood represents courage and bravery. For brave Macbeth-well he deserves that name- â€Å"disdainingRead MoreMacbeth - Blood Imagery in Macbeth Essay990 Words   |  4 PagesWilliam Shakespeare wrote the Tragedy of Macbeth in approximately 1606 AD. He loosely based it on a historical event occurring around 1050 AD. Macbeth is the story of a nobleman, who, while trying to fulfill a prophecy told to him by three witches, murders his King to cause his ascension to the throne of Scotland. After the Kings murder, Macbeth reigns as a cruel and ruthless tyrant, who is forced to kill more people to keep control of the throne. Finally, Scottish rebels combined with English forcesRead MoreDarkness Imagery In Macbeth Essay899 Words   |  4 Pagesare the basic elements in William Shakespeares Macbeth. Macbeth is a tragedy which was written by Shakespeare in the Elizabethan Era. There was much use of Raphael Holinsheds Chronicles of England, Scotland, and Ireland as it was neces sary for creating the environments and situations in the play. Macbeth takes place mainly in Scotland and is a play about an ambitious thane, named Macbeth, and his wife whose flaws lead to their demise. Since Macbeth is a tragedy, probably nothing else would be asRead More Darkness Imagery In Macbeth Essays909 Words   |  4 PagesDarkness Imagery in William Shakespeares Macbeth nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Ambition and evil are the basic elements in William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Macbeth is a tragedy which was written by Shakespeare in the Elizabethan Era. There was much use of Raphael Holinshed’s Chronicles of England, Scotland, and Ireland as it was necessary for creating the environments and situations in the play. Macbeth takes place mainly in Scotland and is a play about an ambitious thane, named Macbeth, and hisRead MoreEssay on Images and Imagery in Macbeth939 Words   |  4 PagesImagery in Macbeth      Ã‚  Ã‚   Darkness, disorder, mayhem, fear, guilt, and hypocrisy are all important themes carried throughout William Shakespeares Macbeth by the effective use of imagery in reference to ill-fitting clothing, blood, and light verses dark. Imagery in this play tiptoes its way though every scene to create a malevolent atmosphere of shame and false pretenses.    The contrast between light and dark during Macbeth clearly relates to the conflict between good and