Shakespeare

Running Head : NIGHT AND DARKNESS IN MACBETH

Night and Darkness in Macbeth

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Night and Darkness in Macbeth

One of the most recurring symbolisms used in Macbeth are night and darkness . They are usually contrasted with sight and light and reflect the emotions of the characters . Night and darkness as used in Macbeth hide events and therefore creates mysteries . Darkness particularly reflects mischief , malice and evil which are central in the play 's plot It is also apparent that night and darkness reflects the overall mood of the

play

One instance where night was used in the play was in Act III , scene 2

.Come , seeling night

Scarf up the tender eye of pitiful day

And with thy bloody and invisible hand

Cancel and tear to pieces that great bond

Which keeps me pale . Light thickens

And the crow makes wings to the rooky wood

Good things of day begin to droop and drowse

While night 's black agents to their preys do rouse

Though marvell 'st at my words , but hold thee still

Things bad begun , make strong themselves by ill

Macbeth called forth the night for his and his wife 's plan of murdering Banquo to come to pass . Macbeth , in effect of these lines , contrasted night and day . Night covers the tenderness of daylight . Seeling means in the old English language , to stitch the eyes closed , and is a term similar to blinding , stressing the night 's mysteries by concealing the events that takes place...