Symbol of Blood in Macbeth - 828 Words

ENG 3U Bloody Actions â€Å"But in these cases we still have judgement here that we but teach bloody instructions which being taught return to plague the inventor,† (I ii 7-10). When Macbeth says these words, it is when we begin to get the full picture of the play and how powerful the image of blood really is. Throughout the play the symbol of blood changes meaning. It starts with blood representing honour and pride for your country and develops into treason and treachery. At the end of the play we see it had blossomed into guilt. Blood is an essential part of life and the same is true in Macbeth. At the beginning of the play Macbeth by Shakespeare, there is a battle going on and as King Duncan arrives he says, â€Å"What bloody man is that?†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦show more content†¦In Act 1 scene 7 lines 7-10 we can see that blood represents treachery and treason quite clearly, â€Å" but in these cases we still have judgement here, that but teach bloody instructions, which, being taught, return to plague th’ inventor.†. Macbeth is contemplating killing Duncan in this scene. In this quote Macbeth is saying that if you make a bad decision something bad will happen to you in the future. Blood represents bad decisions, which leads to treachery and treason. The bad decision in this situation would be Macbeth killing Duncan, which later in the play leads to him gaining more power and confidence and eventually leads to his death. Also in Act 1 scene 7 we can see that Macbeth is talking to Lady Macbeth about framing the guards for Duncan’s death, ‘when we have mark’d with blood those sleepy two of his own chamber and used their very daggers, that they have done’t?†. (75-77) Macbeth believes that if he covers the guards with blood and uses their daggers that they would be convicted of the murder that he committed. The act of murdering someone is treachery and the fact that he was pressured into it by Lady Macbeth makes in treason. The act of putting the blood on the guards represents passing the blame to someone else. By framing someone else Macbeth gains power in that he does not get convicted and that he gets away with passing the blame and lying. As we continue through the bookShow MoreRelatedEssay about The Symbol Of Blood In Macbeth1109 Words   |  5 Pages The Symbol Of Blood In Macbeth Blood is something that we need to live. So it is clearly understood when Shakespeare uses the symbol of blood to represent murder, betrayal, and death, to show all of the evil that was going on. It is a symbol that was used the most in the play Macbeth, and had different meanings. One of the first references to blood represents a feeling of honour, and bravery. It is in Act I scene 2 line 1. Duncan says, â€Å"What bloody man is that?† when he sees the injured sergeantRead MoreEssay on The Symbol of Blood in William Shakespeares Macbeth737 Words   |  3 PagesThe Symbol of Blood in William Shakespeares Macbeth Macbeth had many symbols, which were linked to the themes in the play. One of the symbols would be blood, and the theme to follow through with it is murder, and the dread associated with murder. A lot of the scenes in the play, involving killing, have blood stated. Blood is a significant symbol, when connected to the theme of killing, and is used as a foreshadowing device as well. The first reference of blood is oneRead More The Symbol of Blood in William Shakespeares Macbeth Essay examples692 Words   |  3 PagesThe Symbol of Blood in William Shakespeares Macbeth Blood represents life, death and often injury. It is an essential part of life, and without blood, we could not live. In Macbeth, Shakespeare uses the symbol of blood to represent treachery, murder and death. The word blood, or different forms of it, appear numerous times throughout the play. Interestingly, the symbol of blood changes throughout the play, corresponding to the atmosphere and mood changes in the characters and the playRead MoreEssay about Macbeth Blood1177 Words   |  5 PagesMacbeth Blood Blood is essential to every human beings survival. It is a fluid circulating throughout the body that carries nutrients and oxygen to the tissues in exchange for life and if this was somehow lost then the life would also be lost. It represents life, death, and injury. It is an essential part of life. Without it, we would not live. As a symbol and major theme in Macbeth, Blood is used most often to represent injury and death, but also life. In Macbeth, he uses blood to representsRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s Macbeth 1289 Words   |  6 Pages16, 2015 Macbeth Literary Essay In this 16th century, classic play about a man hungry for power by William Shakespeare there are many intense instances of symbolism used to demonstrate and prove Macbeth’s feelings and behaviour throughout the book. Good symbolism makes you feel what the character feels when reading a story. In the story, â€Å"Macbeth†, Macbeth is shown to be a sly and deceiving person who betrayed his kingdom for his own gain. Three important symbols used to show Macbeth s greedRead More Image of Blood in Macbeth Essay710 Words   |  3 PagesMacbeth was one of Shakespeares most popular tragedies, but was also considered to be the most violent of them all. There were over 100 instances during which blood was spilled, spoken of, or implied throughout the play. Many people wonder why there was so much bloodshed in Macbeth. Was there truly a purpose, or did the writer just want to use bloody images to invoke fear and suspense? Blood did in fact invoke fear and suspense but it also meant much more than that. The symbol of blood is significantRead MoreEssay on The Motifs of Blood and Water in in Shakespeares Macbeth1455 Words   |  6 PagesMotifs of Blood and Water in Macbeth      Ã‚  Ã‚     In his masterpiece Macbeth, William Shakespeare employs many motifs, but none more often than blood and water. The play includes many images of blood and water to show the characters attitudes toward their own development of guilt. Both motifs mature and change in their meaning along with the setting and mood of the play. â€Å"Without an understanding of the blood and water symbolism, the play cannot be completely understood†(Scott 14). Blood symbolizesRead MoreSymbolism that Represents the Theme of Corruption in Shakespeares MacBeth1043 Words   |  5 PagesSymbolism in MacBeth Symbolism plays an important role to emphasize the theme of corruption of power in William Shakespeares Macbeth. Throughout the play there are several main symbols repeatedly used to emphasize this theme. The contrast of light and dark representing good and evil, blood representing guilt, murder, and pain, and the archetypal pattern of purification by using water represents removal of guilt, cleansing and peace. Symbolism is used repeatedly to emphasize the theme of corruptionRead MoreImagery in Macbeth by William Shakespeare702 Words   |  3 PagesImagery in Macbeth The tragedy of Macbeth is a compelling story by William Shakespeare about the fall of a once noble man who becomes a tragic hero. The story of Macbeth is about a man who let his desires result in him becoming an evil man. Shakespeare uses many forms of writing to portray his story; one main technique used is imagery. Imagery is used consistently throughout Macbeth to help the reader thoroughly understand the theme of the play. Many forms of imagery are used, however, theRead More Symbolism In Macbeth1097 Words   |  5 PagesShakespeares Macbeth, symbolism plays a prominent role to emphasize the theme of corruption of power. Throughout the play there are several main symbols repeatedly used to emphasize this theme. The contrast of light and dark representing good and evil, blood representing guilt, murder, and pain, and the archetypal pattern of purification by using water represents removal of guilt, cleansing and peace. Symbolism is used repeatedly to emphasize the theme of corru ption of power. The image of blood plays