Macbeth--A Bloody Tragedy! In Macbeth by William Shakespeare, the continued use of blood in the plot of the play imply different definitions based on its context. Blood illuminates Macbeth’s righteous characteristics, but it also expresses Lady Macbeth’s ruthless plan to kill King Duncan. “Blood” changes from a sign of bravery to represent death and murder. These continuing shifts in definitions embody a world spiraling into bloodshed as Macbeth tries to become king. Shakespeare uses the word “blood” in Macbeth to show the contrasting characteristics of the Macbeths.
The word “blood” in Macbeth reveals Macbeth’s righteousness. In Act I, the Captain’s description of Macbeth’s, “brandished steel / Which smoked with bloody execution” (1.2.19-20) shows both Macbeth’s bravery in the heat of battle and his ability to fight loyally for his liege. Though
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As the blood of Duncan stains his hand, Macbeth says, “I am afraid to think what I have done” (2.2. 65). Macbeth is shocked at what he has done and the blood on his hand represents the guilt he feels. The guilt for the murder he has committed and his bravery create a righteous Macbeth. However, contrastingly, Lady Macbeth is shown as a sinister figure as she hatches a nefarious plot to murder King Duncan. She uses blood to, “ gild the faces of the grooms withal, / For it must seem their guilt” (2.2. 72-73). Her intent to blame the innocent grooms for her actions shows her ruthlessness and malevolent personality. The polar characteristics of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth create a foil which illuminates Macbeth’s admirable qualities and Lady Macbeth’s villainous personality. Thus Shakespeare, like in modern literature, creates a villain who manipulates the protagonist to achieve his/her goals. Hence, blood is used to establish two contradictory characters that serves to reveal each others