False Appearances in Macbeth - 895 Words

Darkness, fear, mayhem, guilt and hypocrisy are all important themes which are carried throughout the play. The use of imagery in reference to blood, light versus dark, false appearance and disease reinforce these themes. The imagery appears to tiptoe through every scene to create a malevolent atmosphere of shame and false pretence. One of the key themes in the play that was reinforced and highlighted by the use of imagery was false appearance. The use of imagery to portray false appearance can be seen when Lady Macbeth tells Macbeth to ...look like the innocent flower but be the serpent under it. Also, this portrayal of false appearance can be seen after the murder of Duncan, when Donalbain states that â€Å"There are daggers in men’s†¦show more content†¦In act five Macbeth wishes that the doctor could have the power to restore his country back to having pristine health. This is ironic because it seems that he is unaware that he is the disease of the land. This imagery highlights the theme of corrupt kingship in the play. Kingship is often linked with blood in Macbeths role throughout the play. The use of bloody imagery occurs over fifty times in the play. Thus, it is safe to say that blood is the dominant image used. The first few scenes are blood-soaked. For instance in the opening scene a soldier runs in from war, gives Duncan the latest news and then cries my gashes cry for help! this effectively sets the tone of blood of the play. Also in the first scene Macbeths sword is described to have been used with â€Å"bloody execution† as he killed through the many ranks of his enemies. Though it can be said that the bloody imagery is just that (of murder and injury); it can also be said that blood has also been used to portray guilt. The guilt Macbeth feels for murdering Banquo is apparent when he sees his (Banquos) ghost in the banquet scene. He shouts at the spirit to stop waving its gory (blood-soaked) locks at him. But, Macbeth is not the only one to feel remorse; Lady Macbeth is plagued by an image of a damned (red) spot of blood on her hand which can symbolise the inescapableShow MoreRelatedAppearance vs. Reality; The Cause of a Hero’s Downfall1025 Words   |  5 PagesIn the tragedy Macbeth; the reader witnesses the inevitable downfall of the tragic hero Macbeth as he attempts to do the impractical. While Macbeth turns from an admirable nobleman into the traitor fiend that is the result of his wife’s relentless coaxing, the reader distinguishes more and more of the â€Å"appearance versus reality† or the â€Å"things are not what they seem† theme that intertwines with Macbeth’s hubris thus leading to his downfall. As Macbeth furthers his plans, which fall in step with theRead MoreMacbeth - Appearance vs. Reality1537 Words   |  7 PagesAppearance vs. Reality – Macbeth: Commentary Macbeth is a play written by William Shakespeare, which focuses on the life of Macbeth. 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