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Macbeth: Symbolism - Paper

Macbeth: Symbolism

In William Shakespear's Macbeth, symbolism is abundantly used in
exemplifying the overall theme of murder. There are several prominent forms of
this throughout the play. The contrast of light and dark representing good and
evil plays a major role in the advancement of events in the play. Blood
symbolizes murder and guilt. The archetypal pattern of purification by water is
used several times in the play, particularly in the murder scenes. Symbolism is
widely displayed in order to achieve the general topic 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 sunset
symbolized his death or ...

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place at night. Lady
Macbeth's sleepwalking scene is the epitome of the light/darkness symbol. She
once craved the darkness but now carries a candle to dispel it. The line, "She
has light by her continually; 'tis her command." (V. i. 19), symbolizes Lady
Macbeth's fear of darkness or evil.
The image of blood plays an important role in the event of Duncan's
murder. It represents Macbeth's guilt and shame about the horrific crime.
After killing the king, Macbeth comments on his blood stained hands by saying,
"As they had seen me with these hangman's hands." (II. ii. 28) Macbeth refuses
to return to the crime scene to smear blood on the guards, fearing the blood
will somehow implicate him further. Macbeth feels uncomfortable with blood on
his 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 ...

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Macbeth: Symbolism. (2008, August 12). Retrieved January 29, 2026, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Macbeth-Symbolism/88224

"Macbeth: Symbolism." Essayworld.com. Essayworld.com, 12 Aug. 2008. Web. 29 Jan. 2026. <http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Macbeth-Symbolism/88224>

"Macbeth: Symbolism." Essayworld.com. August 12, 2008. Accessed January 29, 2026. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Macbeth-Symbolism/88224.

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PAPER DETAILS

Added: 8/12/2008 09:11:34 PM
Category: Arts
Type: Free Paper
Words: 496
Pages: 2

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