Darkness and Light
Motif in Macbeth
In the beginning...Act I, Scene I
Darkness
The witches symbolize darkness in Act I, Scene I when they prophesy about Macbeth's future.
VS.
Light
Macbeth symbolizes light. He is loyal, good, brave, and valiant.
Macbeth's Thoughts - Act I, Scene IV
Lady Macbeth's Thoughts - Act I, Scene V
The Murder of Duncan - Act II, Scene II
Darkness
Macbeth murders Duncan in the night. The darkness of the night parallels the darkness of the act committed.
Light
Duncan symbolizes light. He was a kind and generous king who was loyal to his subjects.
Effect - Act II, Scene IV
"...And yet dark night strangles the traveling lamp: Is't night's predominance, or the day's shame, that darkness does the face of the earth entomb..."
Characters
Light
Banquo symbolizes light. He is loyal to the king, and has good intentions.
Darkness
Macbeth has grown increasingly dark. He no longer has any qualms about killing, and will do whatever it takes to stay king.
Light
Macduff is opposite of Macbeth. He stays loyal to Scotland, and fights alongside Malcolm, the true king.