Thursday, October 15, 2015

What are some examples of bibical imagery found in Macbeth?

Macbeth is full of Biblical imagery. Here are just a few
examples.


In Act 1, Scene 2 The Captain is telling King
Duncan of Macbeth's bravery in battle and describes the scene
saying,



Except they meant to bathe in
reeking wounds,


Or
memorize another Golgotha,

The Golgotha
mentioned here is a Biblical allusion to the place were Christ was crucified. Matthew
27:33 mentions Golgotha, otherwise known as, "The Place of the
Skull."

In Act 1, Scene 3 Banquo talks with Macbeth about the
witches saying,


But ’tis
strange.




And
oftentimes, to win us to our
harm,


The
instruments of darkness tell us truths,

In II
Corinthians 11:13-14 Paul talks about how Satan uses false apostles or prophesiers as
his "instruments of darkness" and their truths are not to be
trusted.

In Act 2, Scene 2 Lady Macbeth tries in vain to wash her
hands of the blood of King Duncan. The imagery of unclean hands equalling a guilty heart
can be traced back to Bible times and the crucifixion of
Christ.

Matthew 27:24 says that Pilot publicly washed his hands,
showing he wanted nothing to do with the furtherance of the trial of Jesus Christ. Pilot
knew that the trial was unjust.
There are many more of these references
throughout the play. Remember, society during the time of Shakespeare would have been
heavily influence by the King James Bible.

No comments:

Post a Comment

How far is Iago justified in hating Othello?

Iago hates Othello for some of reasons. First reason could be that Othello promoted Cassio in his place; however, Iago wants it and he cosid...