In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, light and dark play a big role in the dualities of the characters, the setting and the imagery throughout the play. Macbeth begins with three witches talking about when to meet again. These witches are evil by nature and represent evil throughout the book. The head of these witches states in her first line, “When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lighting or in rain?” (I. i.
Evil is first inferred in Macbeth when we first meet the Weyward Sisters (witches) and they cantillate something: ‘Fair is foul and foul is fair.’ This juxtaposition of words indicates an unnatural feel which creates the feel of imminent evil from a possibly supernatural perpetrator. This line is later reprised by Macbeth in Act 1 Scene 3 when he declares ‘so foul and fair a day I have not seen.’ This could insinuate that Macbeth and the witches may be having similar thoughts without even meeting yet. Alternatively, one could infer that the witches may have already infected Macbeth’s mind with their sinister way of thinking which could give reason as why such a noble man commits regicide. AC Bradley provides a divergent theory on the Weyward Sisters. He says: ‘They are old women, poor and ragged, skinny and hideous, full of vulgar spite, occupied in killing their neighbours' swine or revenging themselves on sailors' wives who have refused them chestnuts.’ In light of this comment, the sisters can be perceived as mad women that exclaim fallacies of success and wealth to warriors and those of weak mind, such as Macbeth, will commit to said fallacies and this will inaugurate their demise.
Macbeth and Jekllyn Hyde both show evil and villainy in different and similar ways. By use different language techniques. One way evil and villainy is presented Macbeth and Jekyll and Hyde is the use of settings. In both texts parts of the play and book take place in the middle of the night. In Macbeth in the first act scene where the witches says “When shall we meet again in thunder lightning or in rain?” This meaning in weather conditions would be hospitable to witchcraft.
“Till he unseamed him from the nave to th’chaps and fixed his head upon our battlements”, this quotation is said by the captain, who is commending Macbeth for defeating the leader of the rebel army. The use of vivid imagery depicts Macbeth’s bravery in slaughtering the enemy, despite the brutality of the death. The gratitude proclaimed by the Captain highlights Macbeth’s loyalty and devotion to the King, placing Macbeth on a pedestal to highlight Macbeth’s vast downfall later on in the play. In addition to this the Captain uses a simile, “Like Valour’s minion carved out his passage till he faced the slave”. Again, this depicts
Shakespeare has employed pathetic fallacy, as the wild weather foreshadows the unnatural events that are going to occur. Therefore, Shakespeare has used chaotic and conventional gothic weather imagery to conform to the genre. In comparison, Act 2 takes place in Macbeth’s castle. Immediately, the idea of a castle is a stereotypical setting that belongs to the gothic for its old, archaic and medieval connotations. In
"Fair is foul and foul is fair"--the witches are planning something funky, and it will be interesting to say the least to se how things will play out. Macbeth is the hero for now, but will he be for long? What is Banquo's purpose in this whole paradoxical play? The battle is won for Scotland, but who loses? The themes and mood of the play are set here.
All hail, Macbeth, hail to thee, thane of Cawdor! / All hail, Macbeth, thou shalt be king hereafter!”(I.iii.48-50). After this, it was just a matter of time until evil grew into Macbeth’s soul. Chronological time is also greatly significant to the play. Shakespeare introduces the witches to the reader.
This creates a mysterious and mystical atmosphere, which creates suspicion as to why they are using their powers. The scene starts off with the witches being in a deserted place with thunder and lightning. The sound effects of these elements set the strange atmosphere of the play that Shakespeare wanted to achieve. All these elements give a huge dramatic effect that grabs the reader’s attention making them wonder; what are these witches doing. The presence of the witches introduces us to a dangerous and dark play.
The last line “Fair is foul and, foul is fair” appears paradoxical. What do you think the witches mean? Act I, scene 2 1. What title is given to Macbeth for bravery in battle? 2.
This is a good example of darkness imagery because when crashing thunder, lightning and rain come to mind, they all remind you of evil and ominous things. There is also a total reversal of values shown by the use of oxymoronic language. In act 1, scene 3 Macbeth and Banquo come across the witches and when Banquo says