The Use of Imagery in Macbeth

A detailed Summary of The Use of Imagery in Macbeth


The Use of Blood and Animal Imagery in Macbeth

There are several instances of imagery through out acts I, II, and III in the play Macbeth. Imagery is sensatory details (touch, sounds, etc.) that enhance the feelings or senses of the reader more than abstract language does. The imagery that Shakespeare so eloquently uses, serves not only to heighten the level of the play, but also to foreshadow events and display physiological distress within the characters. The use of animal imagery suggests symbolism that is connected with the upheaval of the universe. Images of blood are used to further emphasize Macbeth's thoughts on murder. These two images combined with others give the play a sensatory orientation, and also an orientation which displays a deeper understanding of this chaotic atmosphere, which seems to engulf all that are involved.

Animal imagery is used extensively throughout Macbeth to reflect, to foreshadow, or to represent certain events that have or will take place. The foreshadowing of Duncan's death comes when Lady Macbeth exclaims, "The raven himself is hoarse/ That croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan/ Under my battlements" (A. I, sc. 5 ll. 34-36). The raven, a large black bird of prey, has had a long histo


The images of blood and animals in Macbeth foreshadow events that display physiological distress within characters. These images also serve to better help the understanding of murder, ambition, paranoia, and guilt on a universal scope. Death can then be characterized through the use of these images, and the existence of the possibility of discussion. Engaging in such thought processes is the very reason why Shakespeare is so very challenging and thought provoking, even today.

Blood images serve to convey the thoughts and affects of murder on Macbeth. Macbeth condemns murder when he says, "that but we teach/ Bloody instructions, which, being taught, return/ To plague the inventor" (A. I, sc. 7 ll. 8-10). This type of killing is new to Macbeth. Open to learning new tactics, he teaches himself to kill. Macbeth, however, fears that what he taught himself to do, will return to make him suffer discovery and then death. One of the effects of murder on Macbeth is guilt, which he illustrates to us when he states, "Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood/ Clean from my hand" (A. II, sc. 2 ll.60-61). Macbeth says that indeed water will wipe the blood from his hands, but not all the water in th

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Approximate Word count = 812
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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