Symbolism in Macbeth

Animals and birds Ill Omens and Death: I heard the owls scream and the crickets cry. (II,ii) All by the name of dogs. The valued file distinguishes the swift, the slow, the subtle. (III, i)
The Weather Chaos, mirroring evil acts of people, when weather changes bad things happen: When shall we meet again? In thunder, lighting, or in rain? (I,i)
Weird Sisters Fate, confusion, deception: All hail Macbeth….Thane of….(I,iii) “More they shall speak, for now I am bent to know.” (III, iv) p. 109 Macbeth to Lady Macbeth
Clothing Deceit, false appearance (Macbeth stole the King’s power, but it was not meant for him. Our outward appearance does not reflect our inward thoughts): Why do you dress me in borrowed robes? (I,iii) Now does his title hang loose about him, like a giant’s robe upon a dwarfish thief.” (V, ii. 23-25) Angus3. “Lest our old robes rest better than our new.” (II, iv, 52-53) Macduff
Blood Guilt (At the beginning blood represents honor or power, but later it represents guilt.) )”Out, out damned spot. 1. Out, I say.” (V, i) Lady Macbeth2) ” My hands are of your color, but I shame to wear a heart so white.” ( II, ii) Lady Macbeth to Macbeth3) “Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood clean from my hand? (II, ii) Macbeth4) “A little water clears us of this deed.” (II, ii) Lady Macbeth to Macbeth
Light and Darkness Good vs EvilLight represents goodness; darkness represents evilLife vs. DeathLife is light and darkness is death: “…out, out brief candle.” (V, v, 25) Macbeth about LM”Stars hide your fires, let not light see my black and deep desires.” (I, iv, 57-58) Macbeth”The darkness does the face…” (II, iv, 11-12) Ross”…black Macbeth will seem as pure as snow…” (IV, iii, 62-66) Malcolm”Come, thick night, and BloodGuilt -At the beginning blood represents honor or power, but later it represents guilt.1)”Out, out damned spot. Out, I say.” (V, i) Lady Macbeth2) ” My hands are of your color, but I shame to wear a heart so white.” ( II, ii) Lady Macbeth to Macbeth3) “Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood clean from my hand? (II, ii) Macbeth4) “A little water clears us of this deed.” (II, ii) Lady Macbeth to MacbethLight and DarknessGood vs EvilLight represents goodness; darkness represents evilLife vs. DeathLife is light and darkness is death”…out, out brief candle.” (V, v, 25) Macbeth about LM”Stars hide your fires, let not light see my black and deep desires.” (I, iv, 57-58) Macbeth”The darkness does the face…” (II, iv, 11-12) Ross”…black Macbeth will seem as pure as snow…” (IV, iii, 62-66) Malcolm”Come, thick night, and pall thee in the dunnest smoke of hell, that my keen knife…” (I, v, 56-61) Lady Macbeth
Sleep Peace and innocence-Sleep represents peace and innocence-When Macbeth murders sleep, it means that he has murdered innocence and peace-Lady Macbeth cannot have peace because she is tormented by the guilt of her and Macbeth’s actions; therefore, she is unable to achieve peace and innocence “Methought I heard a voice cry, sleep no more. Macbeth has murdered sleep” (II, ii, 47 – 52) Macbeth”You lack the season of all natures, sleep.” (III, iv, 173) Lady Macbeth”The sleeping and the dead are but as painted pictures…” (II, ii, 69-71) Lady Macbeth”A heavy summons lies upon me, and yet I would not sleep.” (II, I, 7)”This disease is beyond my practice. Yet I have known those which have walked in their sleep…” (V, ii, 62-63)
September 7, 2019