Imagery in MacbethIn Shakespeare's tragic play Macbeth, the use of imagery relates to the development of the character as well as the theme throughout the play. From the beginning of the play, the image of darkness is introduced. Darkness was invoked by Banquo, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Banquo, in his aside to Macbeth, says: "But it is strange and often, to win us to our detriment, /the instruments of darkness tell us truths, /to win us with honest trifles, to betray us with consequences the deepest” (I.ii.131). -135).Banquo shows that he is immediately aware that witches are associated with darkness. He chooses not to follow through on the witches' prophecies, but to be cautious and reluctant. He is not ready to get involved with witches, as he sees them as a dark force. However, Macbeth is opportunistic and the image of darkness reveals his deepest, darkest desires. This is what Macbeth's aside, The Prince of Cumberland, shows! it is a step/On which I must fall or jump,/For it lies in my path. Stars, hide your fires;/Let the light not see my dark and deep desires” (I.iv.55-58). It becomes evident that it greatly disturbed Macbeth to learn that Malcolm had been named King Duncan's successor. In response, Macbeth calls upon the darkness to hide his evil thoughts. Lady Macbeth also conjures up the forces of darkness to ensure that the heavens do not see her thinking these thoughts, Come, thick night, /And plunge thee into hell's darkest smoke, /Let my sharp knife not see not the wound he makes, / Nor that heaven looks through the cover of darkness, / To cry: "Here, hold" (Iv53-57! At the end of Act I, we can see that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth have...... middle of paper ...... uh fit in and was never comfortable with a role he obtained through evil means Shakespeare's images. are not only linked to its characters and theme, but are also woven into a moral message Shakespeare warns his audience to refrain from being drawn into the pool of blood and darkness. achievements if he obtains them by ungodly means Self-satisfaction comes from the honest pursuit of worthy goals Works Cited Shakespeare, William, Macbeth, Toronto: Harcourt Brace and Company, Inc, 1988. Webster, Noah, New Twentieth Century. Dictionary of the English Language, New York: Rockville House Publishers, Inc, 1965. “Shakespeare’s Use of Imagery.” 1997: 1-4. Web Prestige. Internet. December 10, 2001. “Symbolism in Macbeth.” 1996: 1-3. Stanford Online Archives. Internet. December 10. 2001.