Analyse how Shakespeare uses the imagery of light and dark, day and night, to convey the theme of the play. 2nd version SG

Evil deeds in the play are carried. out in the dark, where their true Evil deeds in the play are carried out in the dark, where their true nature cannot be seen. In a sense, the play is a struggle between night and day, between good and evil.

Light versus Dark The general rule is that evil characters, who wish to carry out evil deeds, are conscious of the power of darkness. Good characters are less aware, and thus their references to day and night tend to have at least some element of dramatic irony in them.

The witches set the tone of the play. 2nd Witch When the hurly-burly's done, When the battle's lost and won. 3rd Witch That will be ere the set of sun. How might the 3rd witch’s words be literally interpreted? That the battle will be won as enemy is defeated before the end of the day However, in terms of what is to come in the play, what other meaning might we see in these words? The battle being won will lead Macbeth into a situation which will lead to his eventual defeat

The witches continue… All Witches Fair is foul, and foul is fair; Hover through the fog and filthy air. In this speech the witches throw confusion into what is right and wrong And in scene 3, Macbeth says Macbeth So foul and fair a day I have not seen. Foul as in men dying: fair as in defeated enemy; foul as in confusing prophesies: fair as in gaining Thane of Cawdor.

Comment on the speech below. Once he knows Malcolm has been appointed heir to the throne, Macbeth is explicit about what is required. Comment on the speech below. Macbeth [Aside.] The Prince of Cumberland! -that is a step On which I must fall down or else o'erleap, For in my way it lies. Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep desires. The eye wink at the hand; yet let that be Which the eye fears, when it is done, to see. Macbeth is clear that his thoughts and ambitions are wrong – evil – by reference to ‘night’ and ‘black’.

How is his wish granted that night? Just before Duncan is murdered Banquo [Giving his sword.] Hold, take my sword. There's husbandry (economy) in heaven; Their candles are all out. No light – all is dark

By this point, Macbeth has become a creature of the night, a thing of evil. How is this shown by: Macbeth Now o'er the one half-world Nature seems dead, and wicked dreams abuse The curtained sleep. Witchcraft celebrates Pale Hecate's off'rings, and withered murder, Alarumed by his sentinel, the wolf Whose howl's his watch, thus with his stealthy pace, With Tarquin's ravishing strides, towards his design Moves like a ghost. Reference to creatures of the night, death of nature

Lady Macbeth, like her husband, is quick to identify herself with darkness. How is this shown in the speech below? Lady Macbeth You wait on nature's mischief. Come, thick night, And pall thee in the dunnest smoke of hell, That my keen knife see not the wound it makes, Nor heaven peep through the blanket of the dark To cry `Hold, hold!‘ Asks the darkness to hide her evil deeds

Doctor How came she by that light? By the end of the play, however, Lady Macbeth’s mental weakness has destroyed her. Briefly mention how Act V scene 1, particularly the following lines, shows this: Doctor How came she by that light? Gentlewoman Why, it stood by her. She has light by her continually; 'tis her command. Shows Lady Macbeth to be afraid of deeds done under cover of darkness – sign of great guilt

Just as Macbeth and his wife become associated with darkness, so others are associated with light. When she learns that Duncan will leave their castle “tomorrow, as he purposes”, Lady Macbeth says O, never Shall sun that morrow see! What is the simple meaning she intends by these words? Duncan will die before sunrise As often in Shakespeare, though, she is saying more than she intends to, or indeed is conscious of. What unconscious association is she making here and how does it fit this line of imagery? That Duncan is associated with light – day – because of his goodness and that the following days will be deprived of that sun – implying that Macbeth doesn’t provide it!

However, after the appearance of Banquo’s ghost, there is a definite feeling of a turning point having been reached. Look at the following conversation from Act III scene 4 Macbeth It will have blood; they say blood will have blood. Stones have been known to move and trees to speak; Augurs and understood relations have By magot-pies, and choughs, and rooks, brought forth The secret'st man of blood. What is the night? Lady Macbeth Almost at odds with morning which is which. What does Lady Macbeth mean by her reply? That night is taking over / fighting the day – dark deeds and evil mean the ‘light’ or goodness cannot break through

As a last throw of the dice, Macbeth goes to see the witches again. What is significant about the way he addresses them? Macbeth How now, you secret, black, and midnight hags! What is't you do? Reference to dark, evil Also commanding

Finally, as Malcolm prepares to return to Scotland, what is the significance of his words below? Malcolm This tune goes manly. Come, go we to the king. Our power is ready; Our lack is nothing but our leave. Macbeth Is ripe for shaking, and the powers above Put on their instruments. Receive what cheer you may; The night is long that never finds the day. Macbeth’s reign has been long, God will support them, day will return when Macbeth is defeated