Essay about The Symbol Of Blood In Macbeth - 1109 Words

The Symbol Of Blood In Macbeth Blood is something that we need to live. So it is clearly understood when Shakespeare uses the symbol of blood to represent murder, betrayal, and death, to show all of the evil that was going on. It is a symbol that was used the most in the play Macbeth, and had different meanings. One of the first references to blood represents a feeling of honour, and bravery. It is in Act I scene 2 line 1. Duncan says, â€Å"What bloody man is that?† when he sees the injured sergeant. Then, from lines 9-33 (The Merciless Macdonwald, etc†¦) the sergeant tells the story of Macbeth’s heroic victories over Macdonwald and the King of Norway. The telling of this story is, in itself, heroic. It is symbolic of the brave fighter who†¦show more content†¦Pontius Pilate said that he was freed of his blood and washed his hands. Before Duncan’s murder, Macbeth imagines that he sees a dagger floating in the air in front of him. (â€Å"And on thy blade and dungeon, gouts of blood, which was not so before. There’s no such thing: it is the bloody business which informs thus to mine eyes.† (Act 2 scene 1 lines 46-49). The blood imagery here refers to murder, ambition, and betrayal. This is a totally different meaning than earlier in the play. Before, blood was seen as a positive thing. Now, it is associated with evil. It also shows Macbeth’s transformation from a person of honesty, nobility, and bravery to an evil, deceitful person. After Macbeth murders Duncan, he starts to see how severe his crime was and tries to wash Duncan’s blood off his hands. (â€Å"Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood clean from my hand? No; this my hand will rather the multitudinous seas incarnadine, making the green one red.†) Act 2 scene 2 lines 60-63. This shows that Macbethà ¢â‚¬â„¢s character is starting to get weaker because of his crime. The blood does not represent a feeling of ambition; it now represents remorse, and guilt. Macbeth is so upset and says that not even all the water in the ocean will wash the blood off his hands. Duncan was a kind generous man and he had noShow MoreRelatedSymbol of Blood in Macbeth828 Words   |  4 Pages† (I ii 7-10). When Macbeth says these words, it is when we begin to get the full picture of the play and how powerful the image of blood really is. Throughout the play the symbol of blood changes meaning. It starts with blood representing honour and pride for your country and develops into treason and treachery. At the end of the play we see it had blossomed into guilt. Blood is an essential part of life and the same is true in Macbeth. At the beginning of the play Macbeth by Shakespeare, thereRead MoreEssay on The Symbol of Blood in William Shakespeares Macbeth737 Words   |  3 PagesThe Symbol of Blood in William Shakespeares Macbeth Macbeth had many symbols, which were linked to the themes in the play. One of the symbols would be blood, and the theme to follow through with it is murder, and the dread associated with murder. A lot of the scenes in the play, involving killing, have blood stated. Blood is a significant symbol, when connected to the theme of killing, and is used as a foreshadowing device as well. The first reference of blood is oneRead More The Symbol of Blood in William Shakespeares Macbeth Essay examples692 Words   |  3 PagesThe Symbol of Blood in William Shakespeares Macbeth Blood represents life, death and often injury. It is an essential part of life, and without blood, we could not live. In Macbeth, Shakespeare uses the symbol of blood to represent treachery, murder and death. 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In Macbeth, he uses blood to representsRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s Macbeth 1289 Words   |  6 Pages16, 2015 Macbeth Literary Essay In this 16th century, classic play about a man hungry for power by William Shakespeare there are many intense instances of symbolism used to demonstrate and prove Macbeth’s feelings and behaviour throughout the book. Good symbolism makes you feel what the character feels when reading a story. In the story, â€Å"Macbeth†, Macbeth is shown to be a sly and deceiving person who betrayed his kingdom for his own gain. Three important symbols used to show Macbeth s greedRead More Image of Blood in Macbeth Essay710 Words   |  3 PagesMacbeth was one of Shakespeares most popular tragedies, but was also considered to be the most violent of them all. There were over 100 instances during which blood was spilled, spoken of, or implied throughout the play. Many people wonder why there was so much bloodshed in Macbeth. 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The contrast of light and dark representing good and evil, blood representing guilt, murder, and pain, and the archetypal pattern of purification by using water represents removal of guilt, cleansing and peace. Symbolism is used repeatedly to emphasize the theme of corruptionRead More Symbolism In Macbeth1097 Words   |  5 PagesShakespeares Macbeth, symbolism plays a prominent role to emphasize the theme of corruption of power. Throughout the play there are several main symbols repeatedly used to emphasize this theme. The contrast of light and dark representing good and evil, blood representing guilt, murder, and pain, and the archetypal pattern of purification by using water represents removal of guilt, cleansing and peace. Symbolism is used repeatedly to emphasize the theme of corruption of power. The image of blood plays