What Does Blood Symbolize In Macbeth

From the depths of 11th-century Scotland to modern-day literature, symbols are a recurring literary device used to convey the author's intent. Symbolism is a core element of theme development. In Macbeth, William Shakespeare uses several symbols to drive the themes. The three witches represent fate and destiny, light and darkness signify good and evil, and sleep symbolizes guilt. Although these symbols play a vital role in plot development, blood stands out as the most prominent symbol. At the start of the play, blood signifies Macbeth's triumph and glory, but it quickly evolves into an expression of guilt and violence, causing Macbeth's tragic downfall. The contrast between the initial and ultimate roles of blood in Macbeth can be seen in the first scenes of

Conversely, upon learning his fate from the three witches, Macbeth becomes consumed with ambition. He soon finds his mind corrupted with thoughts of killing King Duncan. As revealed through Macbeth himself, “the present fears are less than horrible imaginings” (1.3.157–158), meaning his impulsive thoughts frighten him more than the bloody battles he is facing. This statement is ironic because his current struggles are minimal compared to his future problems that will stem from his bloodthirsty nature. Although the witches plant thoughts in Macbeth's head, Lady Macbeth is the one who persuades him to ultimately kill King Duncan. She believes that destiny reveals his life's path through the supernatural witches, since “fate and metaphysical aid doth seem to have Macbeth crown’d withal” (1.5.26–27). Lady Macbeth's comfort with violence and blood in the opening of the play serves as a contrast to Macbeth's initial thoughts. He calls his plans to kill Duncan “bloody instructions” (1.7.9). This foreshadows the outcome of the tragic events because the repercussions of the murder are far greater than Macbeth or Lady Macbeth