The Use Of Imagery In Macbeth - 1428 Words

Imagery is defined as a vehicle to represent objects, ideas, and actions using figurative language, in a way that appeals to our physical senses, Shakespeare was an expert at employing this technique in his works, with one of his most famous and renowned, Macbeth, using this device to perfection. Macbeth is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, illustrating the psychological effects of political ambition on those who seek power for its own sake. Shakespeare utilizes imagery numerous times throughout the play, prompting the audience to think and create mental pictures in their mind about important ideologies offered in the play. LIG ¬Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ ¬HT AND DARKNESS: Light and darkness imagery is common throughout many of Shakespeare s plays, usually†¦show more content†¦This is not the first time a light being put out represents the death of a character in Macbeth, with Banquo s torch also being snuffed out when he is brutally murdered. The torch actually provided the light for the murderers so they could see what they were doing, which emphasizes the light and darkness imagery which is so cleverly used throughout the play. Funnily enough, Lennox later mentions that the flames from his chimney were blown out, when asked to report on the evening of King Duncan s death. EIGHT KINGS VISION: Macbeth later on in the play visits the weird sisters, ordering them to inform him whether Banquo s heirs will become the future kings. The witches use their powers to conjure a vision displaying eight kings, with one of the eight holding a mirror that has a reflection of many more similar looking kings. Macbeth is alarmed because he comes to the realization that these are Banquo s heirs to the throne, meaning that Macbeth s sons won t become king. Macbeth is slowly driven toward madness as he continues to fear for his life and his kingship. An interesting aspect of the stage directions to note is that the last king holds two-fold balls and treble scepters (4.1.136). These balls are a direct reference to King James I of England (VI of Scotland), whose lineage is in fact traced back to Banquo. At James coronation ceremony, he held two balls, symbolizing England and Scotland. It s a cleverShow MoreRelatedUse of Imagery in Macbeth Essay1762 Words   |  8 Pages In the play Macbeth by William Shakespeare, imagery is used to set the tone of a passage, provide contrast and irony to scenes, and help to display character. Shakespeare applies the imagery of clothing, darkness, and blood in an exceptional manner to describe his play. Each one of these is an important symbol used throughout the play. They add to a complete understanding of a passage or the play as a whole. 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