Macbeth

Blood appears frequently in Macbeth, from the bleeding commander in the beginning to Macbeth's bleeding head at the end. The first mentioning of blood is one of honor. This is symbolic of the brave fighter who was injured in a battle for his country. Then the symbol of blood changes to show a theme of betrayal. Lady Macbeth wants to make herself thoughtless for the act which she and her husband, Macbeth, are about to commit; the killing of Banquo, a friend of Macbeth. Lastly, blood symbolizes guilt. Once Macbeth and Lady Macbeth begin the murderous plan, blood comes to symbolize their guilt. They feel that the crime stained their hands in a way that cannot be cleaned.