Macbeth: Imagery and Motifs
An image is the “little word picture used by a writer to illustrate, illuminate and embellish
his thought.” Imagery in literature is language that causes the mind to form pictures. The
image is often represented by a symbol. Through repetition of imagery and symbols, the
author unifies the ideas contained with a piece of work. This is called a motif.
In a good play, the dramatist seeks to make the ideas, characters and developments vivid
and memorable. One way of achieving this aim is to associate, for example, a character
with certain things, qualities or activities so that, when these occur, the audience
remembers the character and comes to a fuller understanding of him. In Shakespeare’s
play, the motifs help to connect, reinforce and enliven the shifts in the play as a whole.
1. One main motif in Macbeth involves appearances that deceive. The witches
deceive Macbeth, Macbeth deceives others; the King is too trusting and so it
continues. Things are not as they appear.
2. Another motif in the play is fear. Macbeth is shrouded in an atmosphere of fear; the
very word “fear” occurs forty‐two times, more often than in any other Shakespearean play.
3. It is fitting that the motif of darkness should envelop the play, since Shakespeare
equates evil with absence of light. Both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth utter invocations to darkness to cloak their wicked deeds. Many of the memorable scenes occur at night.
4. Among these negative emotions and symbols, we find also numerous images
developing the motif of disease and the longing for health and wholeness.
5. Another motif is that of garments, frequently ill-fitting;
this dominant image is perhaps a symbol of hypocrisy. Isn’t Macbeth in Act V referred to as a dwarf thief?
6. References to sleep and sleeplessness abound, creating another motif in the play.
Macbeth has murdered sleep, an unnatural deed, and in so doing has destroyed forever his own peace of mind.
7. Perhaps the most dramatic motif is the repetition of one of the key symbols in the
play: blood. In most cases, blood is a symbol for guilt.
Motif COLLAGE: Responding to Macbeth
Create a collage, a visual “essay,” that illustrates a motif in Macbeth. You
can work in partners, or on your own. You will have three periods to work on
this, but may need to do some work outside of class. If you do work with a partner you will both receive the same grade: expectations for a group-created collage will be higher.
Tip: Do some work outside of class: find quotes and type them out; find out what materials you think you will need; start looking through magazines (or on the Internet) for good pictures that will connect to the play and to your chosen motif. We will have access to our Netbooks to look up images—and we will be able to print these images—but you have to patiently understand that sharing will be involved.
Your work period is: Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday (1/4-1/6)
Your collage is due in class: Monday, January 9th
CRITERIA
Content from Macbeth and a motif statement or key word as a heading and at least 4 quotes from the play that effectively develop and support the theme, with citations Act, scene, line ‐ ex.(4.3.2) which demonstrates a close reading and good understanding of the play and themes
Illustrations
Pictures/images effectively illustrate the subject and theme of the play.
The relationship between the pictures and the theme or quotes is clear
Connections between the images and the play are apparent
Visual Presentation
Presentation of the quotes and pictures is effective (use of space, materials,
colour); creativity and neatness are evident
TIP: cover the blank page with pictures, layering images that relate to
one another, then glue on the quotes and headings over top. Type the
headings and quotes for a neater, more professional appearance.
EVALUATION
6 ‐ Superior! You have exceeded the expectations and criteria above.
5- Very Good! You have met the criteria very well and revealed creativity
4 ‐ Good. You have fully met the criteria above.
3 ‐ Satisfactory. You have met the criteria, but only barely.
2 ‐ Unsatisfactory ‐ the criteria has not been met.
1 ‐ Really? Try again.
This will be the same value as a Criterion writing assignment so it gives all of you a chance to have fun, show your creativity, reveal your knowledge of the play, and significantly improve your grade.