Introduction
Images play a critical role in evoking an atmosphere of gloom and doom in William Shakespeare’s (1564-1616) tragedy, Macbeth. Through vivid and haunting imagery, Shakespeare masterfully creates a sense of foreboding and darkness that pervades the play, contributing to its overall mood of impending tragedy. Here are some key points of discussion on how images are used to evoke an atmosphere of gloom and doom in Macbeth.
Supernatural and Dark Imagery:
Shakespeare employs an excessive use of supernatural and dark imagery throughout Macbeth. It creates a sense of unease and foreboding. For example, the witches, who serve as agents of evil, are described with vivid and supernatural imagery. They are associated with darkness and witchcraft. The witches’ prophecies, such as,
“Fair is foul, and foul is fair”
It emphasizes the destroyed and evil nature of their world, contributing to the overall atmosphere of gloom and doom.
More Notes: Macbeth
Imagery of Blood and Violence:
Blood and violence are recurring images in Macbeth. They symbolize the guilt, murder, and chaos that surround the play. For example, after Macbeth murders King Duncan, he exclaims,
“Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood
Clean from my hand?”
This quote of Macbeth indicates the overwhelming sense of guilt and the unchangeable consequences of his actions. The image of blood also appears in Lady Macbeth’s sleepwalking scene, where she tries to wash imaginary bloodstains from her hands. It reveals her disturbed mental state and the haunting effects of their deeds. This imagery of blood and violence contributes to the atmosphere of doom and impending destruction that surrounds the characters.
Dark and Desolate Settings:
Shakespeare uses settings to create a sense of gloom and doom in Macbeth. For instance, the play opens with the witches’ encounter on a “desolate heath“, a barren place that sets the tone for the rest of the play. Macbeth’s castle, Inverness, is also depicted as a dark and ominous place, especially after King Duncan’s murder, with references to “screams of death,” “confusion,” and “strange screams of death” . They heighten the atmosphere of impending doom. The contrast between the once noble castle and its transformation into a site of darkness and evil further contributes to the overall sense of gloom and doom.
Foreshadowing Imagery:
Shakespeare skillfully uses foreshadowing imagery to create a sense of anticipation and doom. For example, in the famous “bloody hands” speech, Macbeth sees a ghostly appearance of Banquo’s ghost, and he exclaims,
“Thou canst not say I did it. Never shake
Thy gory locks at me”
It reveals his guilt. This image foreshadows Macbeth’s upcoming downfall and the inevitable consequences of his actions. It heightens the atmosphere of gloom and doom as the tragic events unfold.
Symbolism of Darkness:
Darkness is an influential symbol in Macbeth. It represents evil, deception, and moral decay. The repeated references to night, shadows, and darkness throughout the play contribute to the overall atmosphere of gloom and doom. For example, Lady Macbeth calls on darkness to
“come, thick night,
And pall thee in the dunnest smoke of hell”
She calls to aid her in her unholy plans. The symbolism of darkness serves to reinforce the moral corruption and leads to gloom and doom.
Conclusion:
Shakespeare uses a variety of vivid and powerful images in “Macbeth” to evoke an atmosphere of gloom and doom. Through the use of blood, darkness, supernatural elements, weather, and desolate settings, he creates a sense of foreboding and mystery. The tone and mode of the play is exposed through its gloom and doom.
