Use of imagery and Symbolism: This poem is full of symbolism and darkness. Whenever something awful is just about to happen, there is coverage of night to portray the negativity of the situation. For instance, Lady Macbeth uses phrases such as “thick night…smoke of hell” so that she can make sure that the knife does not see the wounds as it cuts the King who is peacefully sleeping (Shakespeare, 1848, P. 5).
Literally, the darkness that Lady Macbeth is referring to portrays evil operations she strategizes to undertake. Lady Macbeth also asks for prevention of “Heaven” from stealing a look at the blanket that belongs to the dark. She implies that the light which comes from the Heaven is associated with good things such as God, and that the light can protect people from evil. Indeed, she makes it clear that it is only such a thing-which is associated with goodness that can change her plans to kill Duncan.
As such, that is the reason why Lady Macbeth insists on having some source of light when she becomes mad (Shakespeare, 1848). Perhaps, she hopes that light can shield her against the evil. The torchlight that illuminates Banquo when he is being killed is taken away during the evil deed. This is done perhaps, because evil may not go well with light.
Use of superstition: Use of supernatural powers throughout the poem is very outstanding. For instance, witchcraft has been featured in many instances; in relation to Macbeth in particular. Strange sisters invoking on the Scottish health at the beginning of the play captures the interest of the audience. The witches have actually set the action of the play when they envisaged with accuracy that Macbeth will one day become a King. The witches appear to arguably posses some supernatural powers.
The strange sisters appear to stand for common apprehension about the mysterious happenings. They have also been used to portray worries of commanding traditional women who turn down the conventional gender roles. Despite their malicious plans, the witches have also been portrayed as harmless. As a result, the strange sister appears to play an ambiguous role which maintains the audience suspense (Auden, 1950).
Imagery which portrays the use of images to create imaginations has been widely applied in this play. The imagery of clothing is used to show how Macbeth is willing to disguise his shameful actions, not only to others but also to his own eyes. Perhaps, the author uses imagery to reflect ironically the manner in which Macbeth is a pitiful character and yet wishes to cover it up. The fact that Macbeth is presented as putting on robes that he does not own is symbolical.
Consequently, his evil deeds are depicted in an ironical manner, because it seems like he is putting on dignity which does not belong to him. Even the garments that she wears does not belonging to him, meaning that he does not deserve the dignity that she puts on. Indeed, he does not feel comfortable and that is why he continuously felt mindful because of wearing garments that belong to others (Auden, 1950).
The ironical representation of Macbeth through such imagery and symbolism drives the audience to develop a despicable attitude towards him because of his evils. This is how the author manages to present evil in the society as a key theme in the play, I a manner that involves the audience feelings and attitudes (Virendra, 1979). The use of imagery has particularly enhanced a deep understanding of the concepts that were originally intended by the author (Virendra, 1979). Furthermore, it arouses the audience critical analysis of the issues being discussed in the play. For instance, the audience will want to critically think why Macbeth uses garments that do not belong to him, and in the process get a better and enriched understanding of the themes being covered by the author.
Use of superstition arouses the audience’ interest to follow the play till it ends. The audience keeps on asking many questions on the mystery of the supernatural characters such as the weird sisters. More so, the supernatural powers leave more questions unanswered hence creating suspense and make the audience desire to know how the play will end. In addition, use of Symbolism imagery and symbolism creates a better picture in audience mind, concerning the themes that the play covers; such as where dark is used to represent evil.
According to Alden, “A Symbol is felt to be much more before any possible meaning is consciously recognized, i.e. an object or event which is felt to be more important than reason can immediately explain” (1950, 21). In essence, symbolic presentation of ideas such as evil in form of darkness elicits the unconscious or subconscious nervousness of ideas hence making them entrenched in the minds of the audience. Use of supernatural powers has been used to explain situations in a manner that cannot be experienced in reality, hence making the play more interesting and attractive to the audience so they can experience the intended theme in a fantastic way (Virendra, 1979).
References
Auden, W.H. (1950). The Enchafed Flood: The Romantic Iconography of the Sea. New York: Random.
Shakespeare, W. (1848). Macbeth: a tragedy in five acts. London: Harvard University.
Virendra, K., & Eliot, T. (1979). Quest for Belief: A Study of his Poetry and Drama. New Delhi: Atlantic Publications.