Macbeth Blood Imagery Essay

For many writers, using imagery in order to convey characteristics or changing themes throughout their work is a necessity. William Shakespeare, a classic and idolized writer known by all, is no exception to this. In his tragic play, Macbeth, Shakespeare’s imagery is vital to fully comprehend the characters and events as the titular character and his wife attempt to quench their thirst for power. With Shakespeare’s use of blood imagery, the changes in Macbeth’s feelings towards himself and others as well as the change in the supporting characters’ feelings towards the titular character is made clear throughout the play. In the beginning of the play, Shakespeare uses blood imagery to convey a sense of honor, righteousness, and strength. In the start of the play, the Captain is retelling the happenings of the most recent

‘Execution’ has a strong connotation not only with death, but with justice as well. This connotation creates a sense of justification among Macbeth’s actions, bloody as they may be. The Thane of Ross, also describing Macbeth’s resilience in battle, refers to him as, “Bellona’s bridegroom. . . curbing [the enemy’s] lavish spirit” (Act I, Scene II, 54-57). By describing Macbeth as the husband of the goddess of war as well as suppressing the enemy’s spirit, the titular character’s actions are perceived as noble and righteous throughout the battle. Blood imagery is also used to characterize strength in the beginning of the play. When retelling the happenings of the battle, the Captain depicts Macbeth’s heroic nature to the king, characterizing the titular character as, “valor’s minion [carved] out his passage” (Act I, Scene II, 19). The word choice of ‘valor’-- which is derived from ‘valere’, meaning “be strong”-- paired with the image of Macbeth carving a path with his sword through the enemy lines creates a strong visual of strength towards the tragic hero. Lady