Images and Imagery in Shakespeares Macbeth Essay -- GCSE English Lite

Imagery in Macbeth In Shakespeargons tragic play, Macbeth, the use of resourcefulness is connected with character development as well as content throughout the play. From the beginning of the play the image of darkness is introduced. Darkness was called upon by Banquo, Macbeth and dame Macbeth. Banquo, in his aside to Macbeth says, But tis strange and oftentimes, to win us to our harm, /the instruments of darkness tell us truths, /win us with honest trifles, to buy at us in deepest consequence (I.ii.131-135). Banquo shows he is immediately aware that the witches are associated with darkness. He chooses not to act on the witches prophecies, but to be vigilant and reluctant. He is not ready to involve himself with the witches, since he canvasss them as a dark force. However, Macbeth is on opportunist and the image of darkness reveals his deepest, darkest desires. This is shown in Macbeths aside, The Prince of Cumberland that is a step/ On which I must fall down or else o ver-leap, / For in my way it lies. Stars, pelt your fires/ Let not light see my black and deep desires (I.iv.55-58). It becomes apparent that it bothered Macbeth a great turn to hear that Malcolm was named successor to King Duncan. In response, Macbeth calls on darkness to hide his evil thoughts. Lady Macbeth also conjures up the forces of darkness to ensure the field dont see her having these thoughts, Come, thick night, /And pall thee in the dunnest smoke of hell, /That my keen tongue see not the wound it makes, / Nor heaven peep through the mantle of the dark, /To cry, Hold, hold (I.v.53-57 By the end of Act I, we can see that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth have... ...er fit in and was never comfortable with a role he obtained by evil means. Shakespeares images are not only connected to his characters and foot but also are woven into a moral message. Shakespeare is pattern his audience to refrain from getting caught up in the pool of product line and darkness. One will never be satisfied with his achievements if he obtains them by unholy means. Self-gratification comes from the honest pursuit of worthwhile goals. Works Cited Shakespeare, William, Macbeth, Toronto Harcourt invoke and Company, Inc, 1988. Webster, Noah, New Twentieth Century Dictionary of the English Language, New York Rockville hold Publishers, Inc, 1965. Shakespeares Use of Imagery. 1997 1-4. Prestige Web. Internet. 10 Dec. 2001. Symbolism in Macbeth. 1996 1-3. Stanford Online Archives. Internet. 10 Dec. 2001.