Image of Blood in Macbeth

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Macbeth was one of Shakespeare's most popular tragedies, but was also considered to be the most violent of them all. There were over 100 instances during which blood was spilled, spoken of, or implied throughout the play. Many people wonder why there was so much bloodshed in Macbeth. Was there truly a purpose, or did the writer just want to use bloody images to invoke fear and suspense? Blood did in fact invoke fear and suspense but it also meant much more than that. The symbol of blood is significant throughout the play, because it is a symbol of honour, sin, and guilt.

Shakespeare used the image of blood to represent honour in Macbeth as a symbol of bravery and justice in certain characters. Macbeth made use of his bravery in order to conquer the traitor, Macdonwald, during the opening battle, and everyone honoured him for his gory success. This point is proven in the play when the Sergeant described the bloody scene of Macdonwald?s death: ?Which never shook hands, nor bade farewell to him, Till he unseamed him from the nave to the chops, And fixed his head upon our battlements.? ...

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