The Symbol of Blood in William Shakespeares Macbeth Essay -- William

The Symbol of Blood in William Shakespeares MacbethBlood represents life, death and often injury. It is an essential part of life, and without channel, we could not live. In Macbeth, Shakespeare uses the symbol of blood to represent treachery, murder and death. The word blood, or different forms of it, appear numerous times throughout the play. Interestingly, the symbol of blood changes throughout the play, corresponding to the atmosphere and mood changes in the characters and the play. First, blood is a reference of honor, and this occurs when Duncan sees the injured serjeant-at-law and says, What bloody man is that?(1.2.1). This is symbolic of the die hard fighter who been injured in a valiant battle for Scotland. The sergeant goes on to describe the courageous actions of Macbeth and says, With his brandished steel, which smoked with bloody execution . . . Macbeth unlined Macdonwald from the nave to th? chops(1.2.20&23). This refers to Macbeth?s braveness in confronting and executing Macdonwald in battle, using his make that is covered in the blood of the enemy. ...