How Does Shakespeare Use Blood Symbolism In Macbeth

In Macbeth, Shakespeare makes use of symbolism to convey that if ambition goes unchecked by ethical restraints, it is violent and self-destructive. Shakespeare uses the contrast between light and dark to explore the themes of good and evil. Throughout the novel the symbolic nature of darkness is used to represent the spread of evil throughout Scotland under Macbeth’s rule as well as the evil that consumes the characters. Shakespeare insinuates guilt through the usage of blood. In this sense blood stains the lives of both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth metaphorically and physically. Macbeth’s ambitious nature and his disregard of moral values eventually led to his eventual self-destruction and extreme violence towards others.

Shakespeares uses the

ws that Macbeth knows that his actions are wrong and inherently evil, yet instead of acknowledging this and deciding not to act on his immoral decision he continues with his plan to kill Duncan and be crowned King of Scotland.Shakespeare utilized

Shakespeare uses blood both metaphorically and physically to highlight the guilt that characters, specifically Macbeth carries throughout the novel. Blood stains serve as a reminder of people’s past evils and should prevent them from committing said evils again, yet in Macbeth’s case he continues to act seemingly without remorse and do whatever needs to be done to become king and maintain his power. When Macbeth first kills Duncan he questions if “all great neptune’s ocean [will be able to] wash [the] blood clean from [his] hand”(ii.ii.78). Shakespeare implies that Macbeth will always be guilty of his crimes and that nothing can rid him of the atrocities that he will commit in pursuit of power. Macbeth’s view directly contrasts with Lady Macbeth’s perspective. At the time she believes that “a little water clears [them] of [the] deed.”(ii.ii.70). Shakespeare highlights the fact that Lady Macbeth feels little to no guilt for her actions at the time. She feels that they can simply disregard what they have done in pursuit of the crown. Shakespeare later reveals that this is not the case, the blood that both Lady Macbeth and Macbeth have spilled leaves deep stains in their lives that they cannot get rid off. Lady Macbeth is haunted by her actions and begins to sleepwalk. Lady Macbeth directly contradicts her previous