In Shakespeare’s tragedy Macbeth the dramatist uses darkness imagery for the three purposes in order to create atmosphere, to aroused emotions of the audience and to contribute to the major theme of the play. the darkness imagery in Macbeth contributes to its ominous atmosphere.
In the beginning of the play the three witches are talking and the first witch says “When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lighting or in rain?” This is the perfect example of darkness imagery because the crushing thunder, lightning and rain reminds us of the evil and ominous things. Later on the sergeant is talking with King Duncan and Malcolm when he states “Ship wrecking storms and direful thunders break” it also contributes to the ominous atmosphere of the play. Finally, Lady Macbeth and Macbeth are talking in the scene just before the murder of Banquo and Macbeth quotes, “Light thickens, and the crow makes wing to the rooky wood Good things of the day begin to droop and drowse, while night’s black agents to their preys do rouse” It implies that the day is turning into night, all the good things are going to sleep and the evil creatures are coming out. Since, the imageries creates an ominous atmosphere it would then load to the second dramatic purpose to arouse the emotions of the audience. It enables people to create a mental picture of what they are regarding.
While having a conversation with Duncan Macbeth says aside “Stars hide your fires! Let not light see my black and deep desires” When words like dark and desires are put in the context it creates many horrible mental pictures about murders and fights which arouses people’s emotions. As well as arousing the emotions of the audience darkness imagery works well in characterizing. Through the use of darkness imagery the dramatist was able to characterize Macbeth as perceived in the next quote where Macduff and Malcolm are talking and Macduff says, “Not in the legions of horrid hell can come a devil more damn’d in evils, to top Macbeth”. It is understood that Macduff views Macbeth as a man even further corrupt that any devil and would consequently characterize him as evil
Lastly, Malcolm is speaking with Macduff and says how he will reveal his real evil self and states, “When they shall be open’d black Macbeth will seem as pure as snow.” The characterizing of Macbeth as a dark person but contrary to previous beliefs. Malcolm is actually more evil.
Consequently, viewing the previous it is undoubtly true that darkness does play a major role in developing the play and its dramatic purposes. Darkness imagery does help in conveying to the audience the atmosphere, it does provoke the audiences response to the play and it did help illustrate the characters in Macbeth.
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