Nature symbolizes many things in literature, but in Macbeth, it plays a vital role in creating a certain mood that the play encapsulates. Nature is used as a symbol to help the audience understand the underlying themes of the play. Shakespeare uses nature to represent the concepts of good and evil, foreshadowing, and the consequences of actions. It is interesting to note how different aspects of nature are used to represent different themes in the play.
In Macbeth, nature is used to symbolize the balance between good and evil. Shakespeare uses the weather and natural elements, such as thunder, lightning, wind, and rain, to represent how the events in the play are unfolding. When Macbeth commits murder, the natural elements in the play become chaotic, as if nature is reacting to Macbeth’s actions. The concept of the natural world being a reflection of the events in the play is a common literary device used to highlight the psychological state of the characters.
Furthermore, Shakespeare also uses nature as a way to foreshadow future events in the play. When Macbeth witnesses the apparitions, they are surrounded by powerful natural elements. Fire, smoke, and mist are used to create an eerie atmosphere while the witches chant their prophecies. It is through this scene that the audience realizes that the natural world is a significant element of the play. Shakespeare’s crafty use of nature is present throughout the play and serves as a symbol for the characters’ journey and tipping point towards their fate.
The supernatural world in Macbeth
The world of Shakespeare’s Macbeth is saturated with supernatural elements that coexist with the natural world. Magic, witches, ghosts, and apparitions play important roles in the story. The supernatural interferes with the characters’ free will and influences their decisions and actions. The presence of the supernatural raises questions about fate, destiny, and the nature of reality. The supernatural is also a symbol of the characters’ inner psychological states and the forces that govern them.
- The witches: The witches are the most prominent supernatural beings in Macbeth. They are symbols of evil, chaos, and manipulation. They play a pivotal role in Macbeth’s downfall by corrupting his ambition and leading him to commit murder. The witches also represent the powers of prophecy and fate. They predict Macbeth’s rise and fall with uncanny accuracy, but their prophecies are ambiguous and misleading. The witches’ appearance, language, and behavior are eerie and grotesque, emphasizing their otherworldly nature.
- The ghosts: The ghosts in Macbeth are the manifestations of guilt, remorse, and revenge. They haunt the characters and remind them of their crimes and misdeeds. Banquo’s ghost, for instance, appears to Macbeth during a banquet, causing him to reveal his guilt and madness to his guests. The ghost of Lady Macbeth, on the other hand, represents her psychological breakdown and suicide.
- The apparitions: The apparitions in Macbeth are the messages and warnings of the supernatural. They appear to Macbeth and give him cryptic clues about his fate. The three apparitions predict that Macbeth will be safe until Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane, that no man born of a woman can harm him, and that he will only be defeated by someone not born of a woman. These prophecies give Macbeth a false sense of security and invincibility, but they ultimately lead to his downfall.
The supernatural world in Macbeth represents the dark, irrational, and uncontrollable forces that lurk beneath the surface of human existence. It symbolizes the characters’ fears, desires, and secrets. The supernatural is a reminder that there are things beyond our understanding and control, and that we are vulnerable to their influence. The witches, ghosts, and apparitions in Macbeth are not just mere theatrical effects, but powerful symbols of the human condition.
The role of animals in symbolizing nature
In Macbeth, animals are used as a powerful symbol to represent the natural world and its connection to human actions and fate. By highlighting the savage instincts and behaviors of animals, the play emphasizes the chaotic and uncontrollable nature of the world outside human society and suggests that the disruption of the natural order has severe consequences.
- The owl: The owl is a prominent animal symbol in Macbeth, representing darkness, death, and the supernatural. When the owl appears, it foreshadows death and supernatural events, such as Lady Macbeth’s sleepwalking and Duncan’s murder.
- The snake: The snake is used to suggest evil, temptation, and deceit. When Macbeth sees a dagger with a handle in the shape of a snake, it foreshadows the act of murder he is about to commit, which will lead to his downfall.
- The horse: The horse symbolizes nobility, power, and freedom. When Macbeth’s horse balks at the sight of Banquo’s ghost, it suggests that even animals can sense the presence of evil and that Macbeth’s actions have disrupted the natural order of things.
The use of animal symbols highlights the idea that the natural world is a vital part of human existence and that all actions have consequences that extend beyond human society. It also suggests that the disruption of the natural order leads to chaos and destruction, and that it is essential to respect and honor the natural world to maintain balance and order.
Overall, the symbolism of animals in Macbeth serves as a reminder to the characters and the audience alike of the importance of nature and its connection to the human experience, and highlights the consequences of human actions that disrupt the natural order of things.
The table below summarizes the role of animals in the play:
| Animal | Symbolic Meaning | Example from the Play |
|---|---|---|
| Owl | Death, darkness, the supernatural | The owl’s appearance foreshadows supernatural events, such as Lady Macbeth’s sleepwalking and Duncan’s murder. |
| Snake | Evil, temptation, deceit | Macbeth sees a dagger with a handle in the shape of a snake, foreshadowing the act of murder he is about to commit. |
| Horse | Nobility, power, freedom | Macbeth’s horse balks at the sight of Banquo’s ghost, suggesting that animals can sense the presence of evil and that Macbeth’s actions have disrupted the natural order of things. |
Weather as a Symbolic Representation of Nature
Weather in Macbeth acts as a powerful symbol of the natural world, reflecting the turmoil and chaos of the characters’ emotional states and the political upheaval of the story.
Throughout the play, storms and other natural phenomena often occur during pivotal moments, underscoring the significance of these events. For example, the thunder and lightning that accompany the witches’ initial appearance and their subsequent prophecies foreshadow the darkness and treachery that will soon engulf the kingdom.
The use of weather as a symbol also reinforces the theme of disorder versus order. When Macbeth first murders King Duncan, the night turns chaotic as “The moon is down, / I have not heard the clock” (2.1.2-3). The disruption of natural cycles reflects the disruption of the political order, as power shifts from a rightful king to an unscrupulous usurper.
Examples of Weather as Symbolism in Macbeth
- The witches’ arrival during a storm foreshadows the chaos they will cause.
- After the murder of Duncan, there is an earthquake and a storm, symbolizing the disruption of natural order.
- The unseasonable weather on the night of Banquo’s murder reflects Macbeth’s own inner turmoil and the unnatural nature of his actions.
Symbolic Imagery of Weather in Macbeth
The use of weather as a symbol in Macbeth is heightened by the rich and vivid descriptions Shakespeare provides. Thunder, lightning, fog, and other natural phenomena are described in exquisite detail, creating a visual and visceral sense of the power and importance of these moments.
For example, when Macbeth sees the ghost of Banquo at his banquet, he exclaims “Thou canst not say I did it. Never shake thy gory locks at me” (3.4.51-52). The use of “shake” and “gory locks” creates a grisly and unsettling image, reinforced by the stormy night outside and the chaos within the banquet hall.
| Symbolic Image | Description |
|---|---|
| Thunder and lightning | Symbolizes the supernatural powers at play and creates an ominous tone |
| Fog and mist | Represents confusion and ambiguity, blurring the lines between reality and illusion |
| Unseasonable weather | Symbolizes the disruption of the natural world and the perversion of Macbeth’s actions |
Overall, weather in Macbeth serves as a powerful symbol of the natural world and the forces at play within it. By using rich and vivid imagery, Shakespeare creates an evocative atmosphere that underscores the weight and significance of these pivotal moments in the story.
Tree Imagery and Its Significance in Macbeth
Shakespeare uses tree imagery throughout Macbeth to symbolize the growth and decay of power, nature, and humanity. As trees go through a cycle of growing, flowering, and eventually decaying, so do the characters in Macbeth. The tree imagery also emphasizes the theme of appearance vs. reality, as the outward appearance of a tree may not match its inner reality just as the outward appearance of a character may not match their inner reality.
- Act 1 Scene 1: The witches’ first meeting takes place in a “desolate place” with “thunder and lightning.” A witch informs the others that she has been ‘killing swine’ and promises, “I’ll do and I’ll do” until Macbeth arrives. The proximity to the swine and their cries conjure up images of death and evil that permeate the play.
- Act 1 Scene 2: The first time the audience meets King Duncan in person, he talks about his kingdom as a garden which needs to be tended and pruned to maintain its beauty. He declares that he has “begun to plant thee,” referring to Macbeth, but that he will never be able to repay him for his bravery and loyalty. The image of gardening hints at the idea that the kingdom is an artificial construct that requires constant work to maintain.
- Act 4 Scene 1: The witches show Macbeth three apparitions, one of which is a tree with a crown on its head that confirms Macbeth’s fear of being usurped by someone else. This tree symbolizes his own ambitious drive to become king and the realization that he may not be able to maintain his power.
In addition to tree imagery, the play also includes a motif of sleep as a symbol of innocence and peace. When Macbeth murders King Duncan, he is unable to sleep and hallucinates a bloody dagger leading him to the deed. Lady Macbeth, on the other hand, sleepwalks and reveals her guilt through her subconscious actions. The loss of sleep symbolizes the loss of innocence and peace of mind.
| Tree imagery | Symbolism |
|---|---|
| Birnam Wood moving towards Dunsinane Hill | The prophecy that Macbeth will fall when the trees of Birnam Wood move towards Dunsinane and the realization that his enemies are camouflaged by branches from the forest. |
| “A barren scepter in my grip” | The image of the barren oak scepter in Macbeth’s hands shows that he is an empty and powerless king, lacking legitimacy, and foretells his fall from power. |
| The witches’ familiars | The witches’ familiars are an owl and a monkey, which suggest that they are not of this world and thus evil. The owl is associated with death, while the monkey’s physical resemblance to humans emphasizes the witches’ perverse and inverted way of looking at human nature. |
In conclusion, the tree imagery in Macbeth symbolizes the ebb and flow of power, nature, and humanity throughout the play. The use of this imagery contributes to the theme of appearance vs. reality and reminds us that nothing is truly what it seems. The motif of sleep as a symbol of innocence and peace also adds to the play’s rich symbolism, further highlighting the internal struggles and psyches of the characters.
The Role of Darkness and Light in Representing the Natural World
Shakespeare’s Macbeth makes prominent use of the natural world to evoke powerful imagery and symbolism. One of the most prevalent examples of this is the use of darkness and light to represent the natural world and its role in the play. Here, we explore five key ways in which darkness and light represent the natural world in Macbeth.
- Darkness and Light as Symbols of Good and Evil: Darkness is often used to symbolize evil and negativity, while light represents goodness and positivity. In Macbeth, the natural world is depicted as being directly influenced by the actions of the characters. When Macbeth and his wife begin to plot their murderous deeds, the natural world reflects this darkness with thunder, lightning, and wild weather. Similarly, when good triumphs over evil, the sun shines, and the natural world blooms.
- Darkness as a Symbol of Fear: In Macbeth, darkness is also used to symbolize terror. The night-time scenes in the play are often filled with ominous shadows and fearful noises. This foreshadows the approaching sense of doom that is sure to follow when evil takes hold.
- Light as a Symbol of Hope: The presence of light in the play is often used to symbolize hope and a sense of positivity. When Macduff expresses his righteous anger at the evil deeds of Macbeth, he does so under the light of the sun, symbolizing his strength and conviction.
- The Natural World as a Reflection of Character: The natural world in Macbeth serves as a reflection of the characters’ inner turmoil. When the characters are at peace with themselves and their surroundings, nature is calm and serene. When they are fighting inner demons, the world around them reflects this in turmoil and chaos.
- Darkness and Light as a Contrast: Finally, the contrast between darkness and light is used to emphasize the differences between good and evil. The darkness represents the deceitful and destructive actions of the villains while the light represents the just and honourable actions of the heroes.
Overall, the use of darkness and light in Shakespeare’s Macbeth is a powerful technique used to symbolize the natural world and the emotions and actions of the characters within it. Whether used to highlight the contrast between good and evil or to evoke a sense of fear or hope, the natural world is depicted as deeply affected by the choices of the characters.
| Symbolism | Darkness | Light |
|---|---|---|
| Good and Evil | Evil and negativity | Goodness and positivity |
| Hope | N/A | Hope and positivity |
| Character Reflection | Turmoil and chaos | Calm and serenity |
| Contrast | Deceitful and destructive actions | Just and honourable actions |
In conclusion, the natural world is an integral part of the imagery and symbolism in Macbeth. By using darkness and light to represent the emotions and actions of the characters, Shakespeare creates a vivid and powerful depiction of the forces at work in the play.
Water Imagery and its Representation of Nature
In Macbeth, water imagery is heavily used to represent various aspects of nature. Below are some of the ways water is represented in the play:
- Cleansing: Water is often used to symbolize cleansing and purifying, as in the famous line “Out, damned spot! Out, I say!” spoken by Lady Macbeth as she tries to rid herself of the bloodstains on her hands. Water is also used in the play to cleanse objects and people, such as when Macbeth tries to wash the blood from his hands after killing King Duncan.
- Rebirth: Water is also associated with rebirth and renewal. This is seen in the imagery of the witches’ cauldron, which is filled with water and various natural elements. In the cauldron, the witches create new life and new beginnings, which parallels the theme of rebirth in the play as a whole.
- Danger: Water can also be dangerous and unpredictable, which reflects the chaotic and unsettling nature of Macbeth’s actions and the play as a whole. For example, the porter’s speech in Act II, Scene 3 describes a gatekeeper who is afraid to open the door due to the raging storm outside, which is presented as a metaphor for the dangers of the world.
In addition to its symbolism, water imagery is also used to create a sense of atmosphere and setting in the play. The frequent references to rain, storms, and other weather-related phenomena help to establish a mood of darkness, foreboding, and uncertainty.
Overall, water imagery in Macbeth serves as a powerful symbol of the natural world and its many facets. Whether representing cleansing and rebirth or danger and chaos, it helps to deepen the themes and atmosphere of the play.
Bird Symbolism as it Relates to Nature in Macbeth
Birds are a common symbol in literature, often representing freedom, grace, and beauty. In Macbeth, birds are used to represent the natural order and the disruption of that order. Specifically, the number 7 appears repeatedly in bird symbolism throughout the play.
- First, the play starts with the appearance of the three witches. They chant, “Fair is foul, and foul is fair. / Hover through the fog and filthy air” (1.1.11-12). The word “hover” here has a double meaning – not only does it suggest the witches’ flight, but it also refers to birds hovering over prey.
- Later in the play, after Macbeth has killed Duncan, he hears a bird cry “Sleep no more! / Macbeth does murder sleep” (2.2.47-48). This bird is later revealed to be a screech owl, a bird traditionally associated with death and ominous warnings.
- Finally, the appearance of the ravens and crows at the end of the play is a clear sign that the natural order has been disrupted. In Act V, scene i, Lady Macbeth is tormented by guilt and sleepwalks, imagining that she is trying to wash the bloodstains from her hands. She says, “The raven himself is hoarse / That croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan / Under my battlements” (5.1.35-37). The image of the raven, a bird commonly associated with death and doom, underscores the gravity of Lady Macbeth’s guilt and the tragic events that have unfolded.
The Significance of the Number 7
The repeated appearance of the number 7 in bird symbolism is not accidental. In Shakespeare’s time, seven was considered a holy number – it was the number of days in a week, the number of planets in the solar system, and the number of virtues (prudence, justice, temperance, fortitude, faith, hope, and charity). Seven was also associated with creation, as the Bible tells us that God rested on the seventh day after creating the universe.
So what does the repeated appearance of the number 7 in bird symbolism mean for Macbeth? It suggests that the disruption of the natural order in the play is not just a human failing, but a violation of the divine order. The natural order, which is closely tied to the moral and spiritual order, is being subverted and perverted by Macbeth’s actions, and the birds serve as a poignant reminder of this fact.
| Bird Symbolism in Macbeth | The Number 7 |
|---|---|
| The witches “hover” like birds | 7 days in a week |
| The screech owl cries “Sleep no more!” | 7 deadly sins |
| The raven croaks the entrance of Duncan’s death | 7 virtues |
Overall, the use of bird symbolism in Macbeth adds a potent layer of meaning to the play. The repeated appearance of the number 7 underscores the violation of the divine order that Macbeth’s actions represent.
The role of flowers and plants as natural symbols
Nature plays a significant role in Macbeth, with flowers and plants serving as key symbols throughout the play. In Shakespeare’s time, flowers and plants were commonly used to represent concepts and ideas. They were seen as messages from the divine, and their fragility and beauty made them ideal symbols of mortality and transformation.
- The Witches’ Potion: The Witches’ spell that includes the use of “eye of newt, toe of frog, wool of bat, tongue of dog” is a concoction that includes a variety of plants and herbs, which were believed to have supernatural properties. The use of these natural symbols in the spell emphasizes the macabre and dark elements of the Witches’ magic.
- The Sleepwalking Scene: In Act 5, we see Lady Macbeth sleepwalking and attempting to wash an imaginary bloodstain from her hands. She is holding a bundle of flowers, which represents the guilt and shame she feels for her role in the murders. The flowers symbolize her desperate need for purification.
- The Forest of Birnam: In one of the most memorable scenes from Macbeth, we see soldiers using the branches of trees from Birnam Wood as camouflage. The Wood’s presence in Dunsinane signals the coming of Macbeth’s downfall and emphasizes the play’s themes of change and transformation. The trees and forest are symbols of renewal, highlighting the cyclical nature of life.
Flowers and plants play a significant role in Shakespeare’s depiction of nature. Through their fragility and beauty, they symbolize the mortality, transformation, and renewal that define our existence. In Macbeth, these natural symbols are used to highlight the play’s themes of darkness, change, and empowerment.
| Flower/Plant | Symbolism |
|---|---|
| Dagger | Death and murder |
| Blood | Guilt and remorse |
| Clover | Luck and good fortune |
| Willow | Grief and mourning |
Through the use of flowers and plants, Shakespeare emphasizes the cyclical nature of life and death. Death and renewal are key themes in Macbeth, as we see the play’s characters struggle with the consequences of their actions. By using natural symbols to represent these concepts, Shakespeare imbues his play with deeper meaning and insight into the human experience.
The Changing Seasons and Their Significance in Macbeth
In Macbeth, the changing seasons represent the instability and disruption that occurs when the natural order is disrupted. Shakespeare uses the seasons to symbolize the changing fortunes of his characters, from the bountiful harvests of summer to the brutal winters that follow. As the seasons change, so too do the fates of Macbeth and those around him, ultimately leading to their downfall.
- Spring: The arrival of spring signals a time of new beginnings and renewal, but in Macbeth, it also represents the first step towards chaos. It is during the spring that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth hatch their plot to murder King Duncan, setting in motion a chain of events that will lead to their own downfall.
- Summer: Summer is traditionally a time of prosperity and abundance, but in Macbeth, it is a time when the natural order is disrupted. The murder of King Duncan creates a power vacuum that causes widespread suffering, and the heat of summer is a constant reminder of the evil that has been unleashed.
- Fall: As the leaves begin to fall, so too do Macbeth’s fortunes. His hold on power becomes increasingly tenuous, and he is haunted by the ghosts of those he has wronged. The fall also brings the eventual triumph of Malcolm and the restoration of the natural order.
- Winter: In Macbeth, winter represents the culmination of the chaos and destruction that has been unleashed. The harsh, unforgiving nature of the season mirrors the ruthless violence that characterizes the play’s final scenes, as Macbeth and his followers are defeated and order is restored.
Overall, the changing seasons in Macbeth serve as a reminder of the fragility of the natural order, and the disastrous consequences that can occur when it is disrupted. Through his use of symbolism, Shakespeare emphasizes the importance of respecting the natural world and the consequences of trying to circumvent its laws.
Table: Seasons and their Significance in Macbeth
| Season | Symbolism |
|---|---|
| Spring | New beginnings, chaos |
| Summer | Prosperity, disruption of natural order |
| Fall | Decline, loss of power, restoration of natural order |
| Winter | Culmination of chaos, harshness, restoration of natural order |
The contrast between the natural world and the world of men in Macbeth.
One of the most prominent themes in Macbeth is the contrast between the natural world and the world of men. Shakespeare uses imagery drawn from the natural world to highlight the corrupting influence of power and the destructive consequences of unchecked ambition.
Nature, in the play, symbolizes purity, innocence, and a sense of balance. In contrast, the world of men is characterized by greed, deceit, and a thirst for power. Macbeth’s actions upset the natural balance of the universe, and the consequences are dire.
- The play opens with the three witches gathered in the midst of a fierce storm, and they speak in riddles about the chaos and disorder they have caused. The wild weather symbolizes the disruption of the natural order and the onset of evil.
- When Macbeth murders King Duncan, he disrupts the natural order once again. The image of the earth trembling and the horses breaking loose from their stalls signifies the loss of balance that has occurred.
- Throughout the play, Shakespeare uses the imagery of animals to underscore the difference between the natural world and the world of men. The birds that sing in the morning, the horses that graze in the fields, and the deer that roam the woods all represent the simple, innocent pleasures of life that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth have forsaken in their quest for power.
Shakespeare also uses a motif of clothing to underscore the contrast between the natural world and the world of men. The witches are described as wearing “filthy” and “rugged” clothing, while Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are always dressed in the finest garments. This contrast highlights the idea that the pursuit of power corrupts and degrades those who engage in it.
| Nature | The World of Men |
|---|---|
| Pure | Corrupt |
| Innocent | Deceitful |
| Balance | Disorder |
The contrast between the natural world and the world of men in Macbeth serves as a warning about the dangers of ambition and the consequences of unchecked power. Shakespeare’s use of imagery from the natural world reinforces the idea that the pursuit of power is ultimately doomed to failure, and that those who engage in it will pay a terrible price.
FAQs About What Does Nature Symbolize in Macbeth
1. What does the owl symbolize in Macbeth?
The owl symbolizes death and darkness in Macbeth. It is said to have hooted when King Duncan was murdered, signifying the unnatural and ominous events taking place.
2. What does the weather symbolize in Macbeth?
The weather in Macbeth represents the chaos and disorder taking place in the world of the play. Thunder and lightning indicate the wrath of the gods, while storms suggest unrest and turmoil among the characters.
3. What does the forest symbolize in Macbeth?
The forest in Macbeth represents the unknown and the unexplored. It is a place of mystery and danger, where characters can lose their way and their sense of themselves.
4. What does the heath symbolize in Macbeth?
The heath in Macbeth represents the desolate and barren landscape of the play’s world. It is a place where there is no growth or hope, and it reflects the bleakness of the characters’ lives.
5. What does blood symbolize in Macbeth?
Blood in Macbeth symbolizes guilt and the consequences of violent actions. It is a reminder to the characters of the irreversible nature of their deeds, and it stains and haunts them throughout the play.
6. What does sleep symbolize in Macbeth?
Sleep in Macbeth represents peace and innocence. When Lady Macbeth says that she cannot sleep because of her guilt, it is a sign that she has lost her sense of morality.
7. What does nature symbolize in Macbeth?
Nature in Macbeth represents the balance and order that the characters disrupt through their actions. When Macbeth murders Duncan, he upsets the natural order of the world, leading to chaos and destruction.
Closing Thoughts on What Does Nature Symbolize in Macbeth
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