Macbeth: Symbols

Macbeth: Symbols

Symbols are items or ideas that pop up throughout a text.  They are different to motifs because they symbolise something - they are representative of a hidden message, rather than indicative of or linked to it.  For example, a red traffic light may symbolise 'stop', but a red light motif throughout a text could indicate a wider message; perhaps that the main character was always experiencing obstacles.  Motifs are often repeated symbols.

Shmoop comes to the rescue again here, with a clear outline of the main symbols of the play.  Click on the links to head to the pages.

1. Light and Darkness

• Good v Evil
• "Out, out brief candle"
• "Life is but a walking shadow"
• Macbeth acknowledges his "dark" thoughts
• The 'dark day' where the sun hasn't come up

• The SETTING of the play
• Storms
• Darkness
• The forest

• Banquo's heirs

• Partial truths
• Characters who do not give away the full story

• Murder and treason
• The bloody battles
• The beheading
• Lady Macbeth's hands

• The Macbeth's child
• The Macduff family
• Macduff

• "Borrowed robes"