How Is the Image of Darkness Used and Developed Throughout...

In Shakespeare’s play ‘Macbeth’, the image of darkness is used and developed throughout for many dramatic purposes. The tragic play is set in Scotland in the 11th Century and highlights the key idea of darkness. In Elizabethan England, night air was said to be impure and it was the air in which evils were most free since it was not purged by the sunshine. Shakespeare uses the dark imagery to create a mysterious and gloomy atmosphere. It also manipulates the audience’s emotions by evoking an emotional response. Furthermore, it is used to develop the characters and show how they change. There are many reasons for the repeated motif as it is a very powerful metaphor. The darkness imagery in Macbeth contributes to its ominous and†¦show more content†¦Further in the play when Lady Macbeth descends into madness, she insists on always having a candle or, light about her as if the light might protect her against the evil forces. These worlds all create images which allow the audience to picture the scene. Along with emotive words to evoke emotion, they also help to develop the characters. Darkness develops the characters and this can be seen throughout their actions. Macbeths first encounter with the witches involves them releasing the darkness within him. They prompt his ambition to be king. Banquo calls the weird sisters instruments of darkness, but Macbeth still decides to take their advice and therefore, also their darkness. They plant the thought in him that he could be king if Duncan died. Over the next few acts, thunder stirs up the evil released. Like the witches, Lady Macbeth also has a role in releasing the dark ambitions of Macbeth. Macbeth is very reluctant to react on his instincts to kill Duncan. Lady Macbeth is able to eventually convince him to commit the act. Macbeth soon slips into madness after killing Duncan and cannot sleep. He hears â€Å"Macbeth does murder sleep...therefore Cawdor shall sleep no more;Show MoreRelatedMacbeth, By William Shakespeare1802 Words   |  8 Pagesimagine the importance of an image upon a play such as Macbeth. In any literary work, it is extremely important that the author can effectively manipulate a reader s feelings towards a character. In Macbeth, that feat is accomplished magnificently by Shakespeare. Through his skillful use of imagery, Shakespeare shows us a deeper look into the true character of Macbeth. 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