Red Stained Guilt In today’s society the word blood is most often used in reference to the red liquid that circulates the body. (“blood n1”) Shakespeare uses the word blood in Macbeth a numerous amount, with different connotations. However, the best use of this word is being used to riddle the characters with guilt. After reading and deciphering the meaning each time it's used you see that the majority of the time it is referring to the foul deed committed by Macbeth.
The guilt begins to set in after King Duncan’s death in act 2 scene 2. Lady Macbeth demands that the daggers be returned to the chamber which Macbeth refuses. Macbeth begins to regret his decision and feel guilty which is clearly shown when he asks “Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood /clean from my hand?” (Shakespeare 2.2.59-60) Macbeth feels as if his hands are dirty with the murder of the King and will never have the power of making them clean. He then goes into describing the treasonists acts by using so much detail it seemed as if he could’ve been seeing himself dripping in blood …show more content…
King Macbeth kills one of his closest friends, Banquo. Banquo is a character seen often throughout the play as a friend that Macbeth can talk to and confide in until Macbeth feels threatened of Banquo’s lineage. Macbeth feels nervous with a sense of guilt and that is why he suddenly sees Banquo’s ghost at the dinner table in act 3 scene 4. Macbeth sees this apparition of Banquo a second time when meeting with the three witches in the wood. He says “Horrible sight! Now, I see ‘tis true;/ For the blood-bolter’d Banquo smiles upon me,/ And points at them for his.” (Shakespeare 4.1.122-124) Macbeth is shocked and guilty when he sees the murdered Banquo walking with the procession of kings. The blood covered Banquo just shows Macbeth that the fate given to him cannot be affected and wasn’t affected by the murder of
The guilt begins to set in after King Duncan’s death in act 2 scene 2. Lady Macbeth demands that the daggers be returned to the chamber which Macbeth refuses. Macbeth begins to regret his decision and feel guilty which is clearly shown when he asks “Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood /clean from my hand?” (Shakespeare 2.2.59-60) Macbeth feels as if his hands are dirty with the murder of the King and will never have the power of making them clean. He then goes into describing the treasonists acts by using so much detail it seemed as if he could’ve been seeing himself dripping in blood …show more content…
King Macbeth kills one of his closest friends, Banquo. Banquo is a character seen often throughout the play as a friend that Macbeth can talk to and confide in until Macbeth feels threatened of Banquo’s lineage. Macbeth feels nervous with a sense of guilt and that is why he suddenly sees Banquo’s ghost at the dinner table in act 3 scene 4. Macbeth sees this apparition of Banquo a second time when meeting with the three witches in the wood. He says “Horrible sight! Now, I see ‘tis true;/ For the blood-bolter’d Banquo smiles upon me,/ And points at them for his.” (Shakespeare 4.1.122-124) Macbeth is shocked and guilty when he sees the murdered Banquo walking with the procession of kings. The blood covered Banquo just shows Macbeth that the fate given to him cannot be affected and wasn’t affected by the murder of