Reoccurring Symbols In Macbeth By William Shakespeare
508 Words3 Pages
In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, there are many symbols that contribute to the various themes in the play. Some of the symbols are blood, nature, sleep and the content of the visions. All of these symbols contribute to some of the central themes of the play which are guilt and the ever-changing nature of men in power. Blood is a huge reoccurring symbol in Macbeth and for Macbeth himself it symbolizes guilt within him. In act 2 scene 2, Macbeth says to himself, “will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood clean from my hand?”(Act 2 Scene 2, Shakespeare). With this quote it shows that Macbeth cannot escape from the crimes he has committed. Macbeth continues to say “this my hand will rather the multitudinous seas in incarnadine, making the green one red.(2.2, Shakespeare). With this line it shows that Macbeth’s guilt will permanently stain his hand and be with him forever. Blood continues to appear throughout the show but not just to Macbeth, but to Lady Macbeth as well. Lady Macbeth says in act 5, “Here's the smell of the blood still: all the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand.”(5.5, Shakespeare). This shows Lady Macbeth’s haunting guilt that she cant escape no matter how hard she tries.…show more content… Nature plays a part in the play by symbolizing changes in the kingdoms for the worse. The play begins with the witches talking during a storm. The first witch says, “when shall we three meet again in thunder, lightning, or in rain?”(1.1, Shakespeare). It also states in the stage directions before the show starts that there is “thunder and lightning,”. I believe the stormy weather in the opening scene symbolizes the impending changes in the kingdom. Bad storms also reappear the night Duncan is murdered. So we see changes in the weather whenever major changes occur in the