Color Imagery in Macbeth by William Shakespeare

Color Imagery in Macbeth by William Shakespeare

Does William Shakespeare write with blood pouring from his pen? Do the violent images that his colors produce play a role in the tragedy, Macbeth? It is Shakespeare's creative mind that produces each drop of blood that is evident with every new line of thought. Within Macbeth, an entire spectrum of colors helps develop and reveal the plot as each color brings a new meaning. William Shakespeare understands the importance of violence and bloodshed to assist in creating a suspenseful atmosphere, which will bring to the surface true emotions of guilt, regret, and remorse. He also knows that color images that are light in color easily associate with things that are wholesome. Contrary to light, shades of nightfall or darkness are indicative of wickedness. Shakespeare writes with a sense of realism that allows him to touch the emotions of any audience, whether they are living on the desolate poles of the earth or within a mighty nation. The common struggle between good and evil or light and dark is a thought of universal understanding and sympathy. Through color imagery, the characters leap from the stage of fiction into the reality of the audience. In Macbeth, the color images of light, darkness, and blood reveal, conceal, and control the emotions and actions, whether good or bad, of the characters.

The image of daylight in Macbeth magnifies emotions and actions that are heavenly and pure. Shakespeare uses the stars of twilight often to reveal the honorable morality within his characters. According to Caroline Spurgeon, "light stands for life, virtue, goodness and darkness for evil and death (324)." The first instance of this occurs when King Duncan promises that a...

... middle of paper ...

...)." Macbeth, realizing the significance of the treacherous act, deeply feels the burden of another's blood. He, looking at his bloody hands moments after the murder of Duncan, says, " This is a sorry sight (2.2.18)." Once again, Macbeth's remorse rises to the surface through the image of blood. Lady Macbeth also feels the sadness of regret as she too gazes at her hands. "Here's the smell of the blood still: all the/ perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand (5.1.48-49)." The remorse within Lady Macbeth leads her into a fatal downfall. This burden causes her to have vivid hallucinations of the thick blood that covers her hands. "out, damned spot! Out, I say (5.1.33-34)!" She remembers the blood that engulfs her limbs after the murder of Duncan. The denial and regret that associates with blood controls the hearts of the characters within Macbeth.