Blood in Macbeth

To show the theme of corrupting power when it is unchecked, Shakespeare applies the motifs of blood in Macbeth to further the effect of this greed. The blood symbolizes the guilt of both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, as it stains their conscience like blood on a white carpet. This motif appears from the begging, with the opening battle between the Scots and the Norwegian invaders. Macbeth’s hallucinations of a bloody dagger portray the bloody …

…has killed Duncan; Lady Macbeth simply reprimand him and comments that a little will removed the blood (and guilt) from him. (II.ii, 58-59). As the play progressive, Lady Macbeth’s sleep becomes disturbed with guilt, as she begins to sleep walk, rapidly washing her hands, crying “Our damned spots; out I say…who would have thought the old man to have so much blood in him?” (V.i, 30-34) as she wanders the halls.