Macbeth - Imagery
If a picture tells a thousand words, than imagine the importance of an image upon a play as short as Macbeth. In any literary work, it is extremely important that the author can effectively manipulate a reader’s 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 Macbeth’s character.
Using clothing imagery, Shakespeare develops Macbeth’s ...
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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, Macbeth’s 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 ...
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over him. He gives in against his moral conscience, and commits the horrible crime. During this same night, after Duncan’s 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 Duncan’s guards without hesitation. This shows us how during this night, Macbeth changes greatly. Using the image of light, we also see Macbeth’s 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 ...
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"Macbeth - Imagery." Essayworld.com. March 3, 2005. Accessed April 25, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Macbeth-Imagery/23124.
"Macbeth - Imagery." Essayworld.com. March 3, 2005. Accessed April 25, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Macbeth-Imagery/23124.
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