Macbeth

             Unnatural deeds/ Do breed unnatural troubles" (5. Enticing the reader to turn yet another page with lines such as this, William Shakespeare impels bookworms deeper into the plot of Macbeth. With the presentation of each scene and the development of each character, the reader discovers the complex and interesting plot, which Shakespeare has interwoven into the drama. This is first shown through imagery of darkness which symbolizes death. Second, Shakespeare draws the reader in through images of animals, which facilitate character development. Lastly, blood is a strong symbol that represents hate, evil and death. All in all, without enchanting symbols and imagery, the play Macbeth, would not be as world-renowned as it is today.
             First, obscurity is a common illustration which often foreshadows death. The opening scene with the witches is depicted with thunder and lightening, creating a threatening atmosphere. The witches plan to meet "In thunder, in lightning or in rain" (1.1 2). Next, Banquo states that the witches, who are "instruments of darkness", "tell us truths" (1.3 136). This only emphasizes that the witches are at the controls of death in the play. With their concoctions and potions, the witches decide who will live and who will perish. That is why Macbeth visited the witches numerous times, to ask them what he should do because they are all knowing. In addition, Macbeth reveals that he does not want to "Let [the] light see [his] black and deep desires" (1.4 58), revealing that he wants to kill Duncan. Macbeth's plans are to kill Duncan in the middle of the night, in darkness, where no one could clearly see. If sunlight were to spring upon him, his identity as the murderer would be revealed. Moreover, Lady Macbeth says,.
             "Come, thick night,/ And pall the in the dunnest of smoke and hell,/ That my keen knife see not the wound it makes,/ Nor heaven peep through the blanket of the dark.