One of the most important tools in literature is imagery. It is not just in there to
fill up paper; rather, there is at least one dramatic purpose for each image and there are many
different types of imagery. This essay seeks to prove that in the play Macbeth the author
William Shakespeare uses darkness imagery for three dramatic purposes. Those three purposes
are, to create atmosphere, to arouse the emotions of the audience and to contribute to the
major theme of the play.
The darkness imagery in Macbeth contributes to its ominous atmosphere. In the very
beginning of the play the three witches are talking and the first witch says 'When shall we
three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?' (Macbeth 1. 1. line 1). This is a good
example of darkness imagery because when you think of the crashing thunder, lightning and
rain, they all remind you of evil and ominous things.
Lady Macbeth by George Cattermole.
Macbeth Consulting the Vision of the Armed Head. B...
English: Poster of Thos. W. Keene in William Shake...Later on the Sergeant is talking with
Duncan and Malcolm when he states 'Ship wrecking storms and direful thunders break' (1. 2. l26).
Again this darkness imagery contributes to the ominous atmosphere of the play, having reference
to thunder and dark storms. Finally, Lady Macbeth and Macbeth are talking in the scene just
before the murder of Banquo and Macbeth says 'Light thickens, and the crow makes wing to the
rooky wood: Good things of day begin to droop and drowse, whiles night's black agents to their
preys do rouse' (3. 2. l50-53). This example of darkness imagery is saying that the day is
turning into night, all the good things are going to sleep, and the evil creatures are coming
out . The evil in this previous quotation and the two before adds to the ominous atmosphere.
Since the imagery creates an...