Archetype In Macbeth

Words: 292
Pages: 2

• Blood: Archetype for murder and guilt. Symbolizes being stained and acts as a reminder of execution. The first act of premeditated killing in Macbeth is when Macbeth envisions a dagger covered in blood pointing in his direction. Eventually, the blood isn’t just a figment of his imagination, it becomes real. Blood calls to mind the death of King Duncan, Banquo, the Macduff family, etc. Upon cleansing one’s hands from blood, one cannot wash away the guilt, thus being a symbol for murder and guilt.

An old saying that the blood of a victim will seek the blood if his/her murderer. In other words, the dead will take their revenge. In this case, it’s an endless cycle of murder.

• Water: Archetype for purification. Used several times in the play