Imagery In Macbeth
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The Role of Imagery in Macbeth
If a picture tells a thousand words, than imagine the importance of an image upon a play such as Macbeth. In any literary work, it is extremely important that the author can effectively manipulate a readers feelings towards a character. In Macbeth, that feat is accomplished magnificently by Shakespeare. Through his skillful use of imagery, Shakespeare shows us a deeper look into the true character of Macbeth. Though imagery is widespread throughout Macbeth, it is most dominant in clothing imagery, light and darkness imagery, and blood imagery. Through these images,
Shakespeare shows the development of Macbeths character.
Using clothing imagery, Shakespeare develops Macbeths character. This is evident, as, imagery of clothing shows us Macbeths ambition and the consequences thereof. We see this ambition, through Banquo, when he says, “New honours come upon him, / Like our strange garments, cleave not to their / mould but with the aid of use.” (Shakespeare, Macbeth I, III, 144-146), meaning that new clothes do not fit our bodies, until we are accustomed to them. Throughout the entire play, Macbeth is constantly wearing new clothes (titles), that are not his, and do not fit. Hence, his ambition. This ambition, as we see, is what leads to his demise. When Macbeth first hears the prophecy that he will be King, he does not see how it can be so, “to be king / Stands not within the prospect of belief” (I, III, 73-74). However, Macbeths ambitious nature becomes visible when he considers murdering King Duncan to claim the throne, “If it were done, when tis done, then twere well / It were done quickly” (I, VII, 1-2). His ambition is encouraged by Lady Macbeth, of whom attempts to convince him to commit this crime, and lay claim to the throne. He is reluctant however, as Macbeth states, “I have bought / Golden opinions from all sorts of people, / Which would be worn now in their newest gloss, / Not cast aside so soon” (I, VII, 32-35). Macbeth compares being recently named the Thane of Cawdor to a new set of clothes. He believes that he his not ready to be king, and thus not ready for a new set of clothes. He states that the clothes that they have should be worn for a little while longer. However, Lady Macbeth convinces Macbeth otherwise, and he proceeds, and murders King Duncan. This is due to his ambitious nature. As Macbeth first believed, he is not ready to be king at this time. This is evident when Angus states, “his title/ Hang loose about him, like a giants robe / Upon a dwarfish thief.” (V, II,20-22). We see here how the Macbeth that has become King greatly differs from the Macbeth that defeated the invading armies in the beginning of the play. This shows us that Macbeth has changed drastically, due to his ambition, as is seen through imagery of clothing.
With Shakespeares use of light and darkness imagery, we see development in Macbeths character. This is apparent as, darkness, which symbolizes evil, provides us with a deeper look into Macbeth. We see this in Act II Scene I, which is opened by the immediate announcement that it is past midnight, “I taket, tis later [than midnight], sir” (II, I, 3). During this dark night, we see how Macbeth is a moral coward. This is evident as, he is undecided as to whether or not to kill King Duncan, and he needs to hallucinate that a dagger is leading him towards Duncan in order to commit the crime. Through this hallucination, we see that Macbeths ambition gets the better of him, and appears to have control over him. He gives in against his moral conscience, and commits the horrible crime. During this same night, after Duncans murder, we also see how Macbeth changes into a cold-blooded killer. While the cruel murder of King Duncan took much convincing, by both Lady Macbeth, and Macbeth himself, he proceeds to murder both of Duncans guards without hesitation. This shows us how during this night, Macbeth changes greatly.
Using the image of light, we also see Macbeths character develop. Although the sun only appears to be present on two occasions, the
Literary significance of these occurrences is great. Ironically, both examples of the sun, as light imagery, occur when the good king approaches Macbeths castle. When Duncan approaches Inverness, Macbeth is still held in high esteem by Scotland, ” we love him [Macbeth] highly” (I, VII, 29). Nevertheless, when Malcolm, son of Duncan, approaches Dunsinane, Macbeth is not loved in Scotland, “those he commands move only in command, / nothing in love” (V, II, 19-20). We see here how ambition ruins Macbeth, and changes him from a hero to a villain.
Through the three witches, of whom symbolize evil and darkness, we also see Macbeths character develop. This is evident, as the witches are a representation of Macbeths very own thoughts and desires. The witches prophecies are Macbeths very thoughts, which is the reason that they inspire him so much. The first prophecies show Macbeth to be young and ambitious, and reinforce his previous thoughts of becoming king. The second prophecies, however, expose Macbeths deterioration, as we see that he is now in danger, as all three prophecies warn him of impending doom. We see that Macbeth has gone too far, “Vaulting ambition, which oer-leaps itself / And falls on the other” (I, VII, 27-28), and there is no turning back now. Through the images of light and darkness, we see Macbeths character develop.
Through Shakespeares abundant use of blood imagery, Macbeths character is developed. This is apparent as, using blood imagery, we see how Macbeth changes from a noble person at the beginning of the play, to a sinister, dishonorable man at the end. Despite the fact that he has gone from a thane, to a king, the opposite has occurred in terms of his character. Macbeth, as a thane was honorable, “O valiant cousin! Worthy gentleman!” (I, II, 24), yet as king, we see how he has changed, “Devilish Macbeth / By many of these trains hath sought to win me / Into his power” (IV, III,
117-119). We see this through blood. First, how Macbeth shed blood honorably, in war, defending Scotland: For brave Macbeth with his brandishd steel like a valours minioin carvd