The first reference of blood occurs when Duncan sees the injured sergeant and says, "What bloody man is that?" (1.2.1) The King is referring to the brave messenger who has just returned from a war. Soon after, the bloody captain praises Macbeth's deeds in battle, saying that he held his sword "Which smoked with bloody execution" (1.2.20), meaning that Macbeth's bravery was shown by his sword covered in the hot blood of the enemy.

After at first symbolizing brav

Throughout this play, the meaning of blood has changed along with Macbeth's emotions: blood has symbolized ideas from honor to treachery, and then guilt. It is very fitting that blood is a dominant symbol in this play, for this is one of Shakespeare's darkest and most violent.

In addition to treason, blood also represents guilt and remorse in act two. Shortly after he has killed Duncan, Macbeth asks himself, "Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood clean from my hand?," (2.2.78-79) meaning that he is already disturbed by his awful deed. Later, during the banquet scene, blood represents the guilt that haunts Macbeth. Banquo's ghost (who is covered in blood) appears and haunts Macbeth, who says, "... they blood is cold...," (3.4.114) meaning that Macbeth feels guilty and is scared of Banquo's cold revenge.

Blood as a symbol of guilt shows itself very well in the scene in which Lady Macbeth walks in her sleep. While attempting to wash her hands, Lady Macbeth s

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