Macbeth Motifs

Blood: Not mentioned in Act 1

Darkness: evil nature of Macbeth (horrible deeds), the darkness in Macbeth’s heart. Relates to unnatural world and witches. The cover of night is evoked by Shakespeare, anytime something bad is going to or has recently happened. Starless night so that no one can see Macbeth’s intensions as they are laid out on his face. Lady Mac calls out for darkness so that her dagger cannot see the horrid act it is about to commit, stabbing King Duncan.

Light: It is associated with God an goodness. Lady Mac asks the dark and evil spirits to stop light from peeping into the dark of night-time. (1.5.3) She suggests that if the light had called to her “Hold, hold”, it was the only way she wouldn’t have killed Duncan. Also revisited when she goes mad, as she always wants a candle with her. Lady Mac needs the power of light to protect her from the dark and evil spirits she unleashed in Act 1.

Sleep: Not mentioned in Act 1