Imagery and Symbolism

• There are three kinds of imagery to look out for

  Imagery helps you picture what Shakespeare's describing, and makes it stick in your mind better
• Similes are when one thing is like something else

  1. Macbeth's saying he was solid and grounded, like rock. Rock is firm and fixed, as he was before. "I had else been perfect; Whole as the marble, founded as the rock" Act 3, Scene 4

  2. Here, Angus compares Macbeth to a "thief", because he's stolen power from Duncan. Angus is saying that Macbeth's responsibilities as King are too much for him, like clothes that are too big for him to fill. "Now does he feel his title Hang loose about him, like a giant's robe Upon a dwarfish thief." Act 5, Scene 2
• A metaphor is when one thing is said to be something else

  "There the grown serpent lies; the worm that's fled Hath nature that in time will venom breed, No teeth for th'present." Act 3, Scene 4.

  1. Here, Macbeth describes Banquo as a snake and his son Fleance as a "worm". He still sees Fleance as a threat, and is afraid of his "venom".

  2. Snakes and serpents are used as an extended metaphor (a repeated metaphor) throughout the play, usually to describe deception or betrayal. For example, Lady Macbeth tells Macbeth to "look like th'innocent flower/But be the serpent under't".
• Personification means describing a thing as if it were a person

  "Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player That struts and frets his hour upon the stage And then is heard no more." Act 5, Scene 5

  1. Here, Macbeth personifies life, comparing it to a "walking shadow" and an actor, whose influence is limited to his time on stage. This shows that Macbeth thinks that life is brief and pointless.

  "the earth Was feverous and did shake" Act 2, Scene 3

  2. Here, the earth is personified as a person with a fever to show that Duncan's death was unnatural
• What does light symbolize in the context of Macbeth?

  Good
• What does darkness symbolize in Macbeth?

  Evil
• How do Macbeth and Lady Macbeth use images of darkness and light?

  • Darkness represents evil deeds, blindness, and ignorance
  • Light represents sight and knowledge
• How are the witches described in Macbeth?

  As "instruments of darkness"
• What does Macbeth realize about his intentions?

  They are evil
• How does Macbeth describe his thoughts?

  As "black"
• What do the Macbeths want to do with their evil thoughts and deeds?

  • They want to "hide" them in darkness
  • The murder of Duncan occurs on a dark night
• What does the darkness during Duncan's murder highlight?

  How evil the murder is
• What is the quote from Act 1, Scene 4 that reflects darkness?

  "Stars, hide your fires, Let not light see my black and deep desires"
• What is the quote from Act 1, Scene 5 that reflects darkness?

  "Come, thick night, And pall thee in the dunnest smoke of hell"
• What do the "strange" and "unnatural" events after Duncan's death signify?

  Darkness and evil have overcome goodness
• What does the quote "by the clock, 'tis day,/And yet dark night strangles the travelling lamp" illustrate?

  Darkness has overcome natural light
• How is light associated with goodness in Macbeth?

  Duncan compares his loyal Lords to "stars"
• What is the quote from Act 1, Scene 4 that associates light with goodness?

  "signs of nobleness, like stars, shall shine"
• How does Duncan's murder affect the natural order in the play?

  It disrupts the natural order of events
• What do the "wild horses" symbolize after Duncan's murder?

  They symbolize the chaos in nature
• What does the image of the falcon and the owl represent?

  It represents the unnatural act of Duncan's murder
• What does it mean when an owl kills a falcon in the play?

  It signifies a disruption of the natural order
• How is plant imagery used in relation to Macbeth and Banquo?

  • Duncan compares them to plants he will harvest
  • Represents their potential and growth
• How does the comparison of Macbeth to "weeds" reflect his character?

  It shows his corruption and moral decay
• What does Malcolm being called the "sovereign flower" imply?

  It implies his purity and rightful place
• What contrasts are presented through the plant imagery in the play?

  • Macbeth as "weeds" indicates corruption
  • Malcolm as "sovereign flower" indicates purity
• What do health and disease represent in the context of Scotland?

  The state of Scotland
• How does Shakespeare use images of disease in Macbeth?

  To highlight Scotland's condition under Macbeth's rule
• What is ironic about Macbeth asking the Doctor to cure Scotland?

  He is unaware he is Scotland's disease
• What does Macduff express about Macbeth's reign in his quotes?

  It causes injury to Scotland
• What does Macduff say about Scotland in Act 4, Scene 3?

  "Bleed, bleed, poor country!"
• What does Macduff mean by "It weeps, it bleeds; and each new day a gash Is added to her wounds"?

  Scotland is suffering more each day
• How is Malcolm described in relation to Scotland?

  As the "med'cine" that will cure Scotland
• What does Malcolm's description as "med'cine" reinforce?

  The belief that he is the rightful King
• What do images of blood and water symbolize in the context of guilt and innocence?

  Guilt and innocence
• How does Shakespeare use blood imagery in relation to guilt?

  Blood represents guilt through Lady Macbeth's actions
• What does Lady Macbeth do with the blood-stained daggers?

  She plants them on Duncan's guards
• What does Lady Macbeth mean by "damned spot"?

  It signifies her overwhelming guilt
• What does Lady Macbeth claim about water and guilt?

  She believes water can wash away guilt
• How does Macbeth's view of water differ from Lady Macbeth's?

  Macbeth doubts water can wash away guilt