Darkness in our society is indicative of evil. Bradley said about Macbeth:" Darkness, we may even say blackness, broods over this tragedy . all the scenes which at once recur to memory take place either at night or in some dark spot." Shakespeare used symbols of darkness to describe a character that was changing from a valiant nobleman to a murderous tyrant. I agree with A.C. Bradley's criticism of Macbeth.
The play begins in the darkness of a thunderstorm, where the three witches meet. These "secret, black, and midnight hags" (4.1.47) and their dark meeting areas emphasize their evil and destructive nature. They tell Macbeth omens of his future.
"All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Glamis!.
All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor!.
All hail Macbeth! that shalt be King hereafter!" (1.3.48-50).
Of course, Macbeth is intrigued to hear this. And shortly after, Macbeth is named the new Thane of Cawdor. This is the point where Macbeth first starts to think of evil plans to become King. The witch's evil omens have made a place inside Macbeth's head. With a little persuasion from Lady Macbeth, he is determined to kill King Duncan.
As King Duncan arrives at Macbeth's castle, Dunsinane, he is met with a "false face must hide what the false heart doth know" (1.7.82). During the darkness of the night, Macbeth plans go to work. He kills Duncan with his guards" swords, and then kills the guards out of .
"vengeance" for the King. Malcolm and Donalbain flee for their safety, and people suggest it was their plot all along. Macbeth is then claimed the King of Scotland. Macbeth needed a lot of persuading to kill Duncan, but now his heart is full of evil. His next victims are Banquo, and his son Fleance. .
Banquo suspects foul play was used by Macbeth to become King, but does not say anything to anyone. He also knows he is in danger, because the weird sisters told of his line being Kings. Macbeth sends three murderers to kill the father and son during the night.
