![]() ![]() "Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood / Clean from my hand?" Macbeth cries after he has killed Duncan, even as his wife scolds him and says that a little water will do the job (2.2.58-59). METAPHORICAL level- represents guilt and evil Once Macbeth and Lady Macbeth embark upon their murderous journey, blood comes to symbolize their guilt, and they begin to feel that their crimes have stained them in a way that cannot be washed clean. IMAGERY level - pervades the play to show the menace and destructionįAMILY - Donalain refers to 'near in blood' LITERAL level: Blood is everywhere in Macbeth, beginning with the opening battle between the Scots and the Norwegian invaders, which is described in harrowing terms by the wounded captain in Act 1, scene 2. Foreshadowing does not simply hint at what events will come, but shapes the events of the plot based on how characters respond to what they believe is being predicted.ĭescribe how Shakespeare uses blood as a symbol (LIFE MATTERS) The symbolism of blood operates on four levels which are: These predictions serve as ironic foreshadowing because they hint at events to come later, including Macbeth's death at the hands of Macduff, who was not literally 'born' of woman but was born by C-section and show how Macbeth misinterprets prophecies based on his own arrogance. For example, they predict that no one borne of a woman will harm him. Act 4, Scene 1, the witches make a number of predictions that Macbeth interprets as being in his favor. It also more literally foreshadows Macbeth's insomnia and Lady Macbeth's sleep-walking as symptoms of their guilty consciences. The statement foreshadows the guilt and paranoia that will torment both Macbeth and his wife for the rest of the play. Macbeth hearing A Voice Cry "Sleep No More!" When Macbeth tells his wife about his experience murdering Duncan, he says that he thought he heard a voice cry out "Sleep no more!" This statement implies Macbeth will never again be at peace or have a clean conscience, and will never be able to rest easy. We suspect that Macbeth is going to follow in the traitorous footsteps of the man who previously held the title. ALSO The foreshadowing becomes even more explicit when Macbeth is awarded the title of the disgraced Thane, becoming the Thane of Cawdor himself. The rebellion is defeated, but these events hint that the political state of the kingdom is unstable and foreshadow Macbeth's own plot to seize power. The Rebellion Of The First Thane Of Cawdor: The Thane of Cawdor tries to raise a rebellion against Duncan and gain the throne for himself. BUT they do not specify that he will obtain that position by murdering Duncan. The witches reveal Macbeth will someday be king. The imagined blood haunts both characters, following them until their death.1. Their guilt is all consuming and inescapable. Often quoted is the fact that Lady Macbeth cannot get the imagined blood off her hands nor can her husband. What's more, the imaginary blood also shows how Macbeth and Lady Macbeth both lose a grasp on reality. As their guilt grows, so does the importance of the blood. It's not until after the murder of Duncan that their guilt begins to manifest. Imaginary blood represents guilt for Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. But almost surpassing the importance of physical blood is the imagined blood found throughout the play. The constant presence of blood in Macbeth repeatedly reminds the audience about how serious the consequences of the characters actions are. In many Shakespearean plays - including this one - rebelling nature shows a departure from accepted political and moral order.īlood itself - the color, the smell, and importance - is vital to life and shocking to see. ![]() ![]() It makes it seem as if the weather is upset with Macbeth's actions. The rebelling nature of wind and lightning indicates the disruption within the natural order of society. Throughout Shakespeare's Macbeth, the weather plays an important role. ![]() Symbols are central to understanding Macbeth as a play and identifying Shakespeare's social and political commentary. Explore the different symbols within William Shakespeare's tragic play, Macbeth. ![]()
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