In William Shakespeare's Macbeth, symbolism is abundantly used in exemplifying the overall theme of murder. There are several prominent forms of this throughout the play. The contrast of light and dark representing good and evil plays a major role in the advancement of events in the play. Blood symbolizes murder and guilt. The archetypal pattern of purification by water is used several times in the play, particularly in the murder scenes. Symbolism is widely displayed in order to achieve the general topic of evil.
             Light and dark represent good and evil in the play. During the time in which Macbeth was written, the king was associated with the sun. The sunset symbolized his death or overthrow. The quotes "When shall we three meet again. . . " and "That will be ere the set of sun." (I. i. 1,4) foreshadow the king's death. The imagery of light and dark continues throughout the play. "Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep desires." (I. iv. 50-51) demonstrates Macbeth's step toward evil. Most of the unusual events in Macbeth occur under a cloak of darkness. The murders, Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking, and the appearance of the witches all take place at night. Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking scene is the epitome of the light/darkness symbol. She
             once craved the darkness but now carries a candle to dispel it. The line, "She has light by her continually; 'tis her command." (V. i. 19), symbolizes Lady Macbeth's fear of darkness or evil.
             The image of blood plays an important role in the event of Duncan's murder. It represents Macbeth's guilt and shame about the horrific crime. After killing the king, Macbeth comments on his blood stained hands by saying, "As they had seen me with these hangman's hands." (II. ii. 28) Macbeth refuses to return to the crime scene to smear blood on the guards, fearing the blood will somehow implicate him further. Macbeth feels unco
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