Macbeth, the renowned tragedy written by William Shakespeare, is filled with powerful imagery and symbolism. One of the most prominent motifs throughout the play is blood, which serves as a metaphor for guilt and the consequences of violent actions. This analysis will delve into the significance of blood in Macbeth, exploring its literal and symbolic presence in the characters' hallucinations and its impact on their psyche.
Blood as a Motif in Macbeth
The motif of blood is introduced early in the play when Macbeth is waiting outside Duncan's bedchamber before committing regicide. As he contemplates the heinous act, Macbeth sees a hallucination of his own dagger dripping with blood. Although he recognizes it as a figment of his imagination, he attributes it to the impending violence and his ambitious desires. Macbeth remarks:
and on thy blade and dudgeon gouts of blood, / which was not so before—there's no such thing: / it is the bloody business which informs / thus to mine eyes. (1)
After successfully assassinating Duncan, Macbeth emerges from the chamber covered in the actual blood of his victim. The presence of blood visibly affects him, as he becomes more distressed than before. When he reunites with his wife, Lady Macbeth, he laments:
will all great neptune's oceans wash this blood / clean from my hand? no, this my hand will rather / the multitudinous seas incarnadine / making the green one red. (1)
Macbeth believes that no amount of water can cleanse his hands of the guilt he feels for his actions. He imagines that if he were to wash his hands in the sea, the blood would taint the water, turning it red. This vivid imagery emphasizes the irreversibility of his deeds and the lasting impact they will have on his conscience.
Furthermore, Macbeth's mental state deteriorates further when he witnesses the ghost of his former comrade, Banquo, covered in blood. Although Macbeth did not directly murder Banquo, he ordered his death, which haunts him. Macbeth exclaims:
thou canst not say i did it: never shake / thy gory locks at me. (4)
This sighting of the blood-covered ghost signifies Macbeth's declining mental health and the weight of his violent deeds on his conscience. He fears that his crimes will eventually be exposed and traced back to him, adding to his growing paranoia and guilt.
The Symbolic Presence of Blood
While blood is a literal element in Macbeth, its symbolic presence is even more significant. The characters' hallucinations and visions of blood serve as manifestations of their guilt and the consequences of their actions. The blood represents the moral stain that cannot be washed away, haunting the characters and driving them further into madness.
Throughout the play, blood symbolizes the guilt and remorse that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth experience. It serves as a reminder of their treacherous acts, constantly plaguing their thoughts and dreams. The presence of blood is a constant source of torment, highlighting the characters' moral deterioration and the price they pay for their ambition and lust for power.
The motif of blood in Macbeth also reflects the violent nature of the play. The numerous murders that occur offstage are represented by the literal blood present in the aftermath. This imagery adds to the overall atmosphere of darkness and brutality, underscoring the tragic consequences of unchecked ambition and the corrupting influence of power.
In Macbeth, blood serves as a powerful motif, representing guilt, remorse, and the consequences of violent actions. Through hallucinations and visions, the characters' obsession with blood reflects their moral decay and the psychological toll of their crimes. The presence of blood in the play highlights the irreversible nature of their deeds and the inescapable price they pay for their ambition. Shakespeare masterfully employs this motif to convey the themes of guilt, violence, and the destructive nature of unchecked ambition in Macbeth.
If you want to know other articles similar to Significance of blood in macbeth: analysis of symbolism and consequences you can visit the Symbolism category.
Related Articles