To think of blood, one might think of the liquid which keeps the body functioning. However, when looked at in a literary context, blood symbolizes disorder, evil, and chaos. For this reason, Shakespeare decided that blood would be an appropriate symbol to represent the evil deeds committed by the characters in his play, Macbeth. Whether it is through unthinkable murders, evil prophesies of blood and murder told by the witches, or finally a force which drives people such as Lady Macbeth insane, blood plays the utmost important symbolic role within this play.
             After Macbeth's placement as king, there was a definite pattern which always seemed to be associated with a bloody murder. First there was Duncan, whose blood stained the hands of Macbeth. The importance of the reference of blood after Duncan was murdered was shown when Macbeth said, '"Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood/ Clean from my hand?'" (2.2.72). Second, were the guards who were found with the blood-covered daggers to which Lennox said, '"Their hands and faces were all badged with blood."'(2.3.109). Banquo also had a very bloody murder which the murderers left '"twenty trenched gashes on his head"' (3.4.132), and had cut his throat. Finally, Ross told Macduff of the slaughtering of his family. Ross said to Macduff, '"Your castle is surprised, your wife and babes/ Savagely slaughtered."'(4.3.234-235). The above references sum up all of Macbeth's horrid accomplishments which utilized
             blood to symbolize the deaths and evil deeds that his character committed in Scotland. The constant reference to blood throughout the entire play helps capture the true evil of Macbeth's character, and demonstrates the fact that he will use any means possible, including murder, to ensure his spot on the thrown. Every time it is used, we are reminded of one of Macbeth's evil d...