The Battle Between Light and Dark in Macbeth

Light and dark are often thought of as symbols of good and evil. Such a concept is used in movies and television. When the climax reaches its peak in a horror film, and after a long chase the bad guy is leaning over the good guy about to finish his evil deed, odds are that darkness will be added to make things seem more intense. In the cartoon movie, “All Dogs Go to Heaven,” heaven is depicted as a bright place where the sun shines. Still, in other films, light might be reflected on someone every time they do something good. This idea of light and dark, night and day, and good and bad is present in Shakespeare’s play “Macbeth.” Shakespeare uses these themes to create an image of the various conflicts, twists, and symbols in the plot. The entire story evolves around the results of such events and the clash between what light and dark symbolize. The imagery of these two opposites brings things together or tare things apart. Because of the way light and dark are represented and used in the play, they are given specific meanings and definitions that help make the play what it is.

Darkness is the more evident of the two throughout the play. Since “Macbeth” is a tragedy, the hero, Macbeth, must be brought down by his own doings. In this case, his ambition and deceitfulness are the elements of darkness that lead to his ruin. The play starts out with three witches, the very embodiment of evil. When the witches make the prediction that Macbeth will become king (1.3), a chain of events is started that will make things grow darker and darker until his death. In act one scene three, Banquo actually refers to the witches as the “instruments of darkness.” There is also a reality of darkness in the scenes with the witches. There is lightning and thunder, evidencing the natural darkness that is there. At first, Macbeth believes that he does not need to do anything to gain the throne, but once King Duncan announces that his older son will succeed him (1.4), he starts to rethink things through. Ambition starts to fill his mind and soul, and he asks for the darkness to hide the evil thoughts that are brewing in his mind. Once his wife, Lady Macbeth, finds out about the witches’ predictions, she too asks for darkness to cover her deeds, and for her womanly attributes to be thrown aside so that she can pursue the crown through evil means (1.5). When they do murder Duncan, they do it during the night (2.1-2). Later, when Macbeth hires murderers to kill Banquo, the murder of Banquo is also done in the darkness of night (3.3). By this time, Macbeth has become the strong one in charge. Evil and darkness is present all the time. Macbeth does not have to have something to inspire his ambition further, he just keeps going and going until he wares out and morning comes again, but not for him. He leaves his wife out of things. She becomes the more innocent one who wishes she could go back in time to save Duncan’s life. This is the way Macbeth was at first, but when act three, scene two comes, he is not longer depending on Lady Macbeth’s pushiness to spur him on, but on the darkness of his own ambition.

As the play progresses Lady Macbeth finds herself subject to the tricks of her mind. Eventually, in act five, scene one, her guilt preys on her and causes her to become seemingly sick. The doctor knows that he cannot do anything for her. He observes her when she sleepwalks and asks how Lady Macbeth got the light she is carrying. The gentlewoman replies, “Why, it stood by her: she has light by her continually, tis her command.” Lady Macbeth knows she has done something wrong. As a result she does not sleep well and fears the consequences of her actions. Because she fears the darkness that comes from her deeds, she commands to have a light kept by her at all times. She knows that she lives in darkness, and tries to use false light to keep her guilt away. She wants the light to bring truth back into her life again.

Because darkness overtakes most of the play, there is little light to be seen. When you are in the darkness, you need some form of light to see. Before Banquo is killed, he calls to show a light. When daytime does come, it is covered by darkness. Light does not really show until the end of the play when Macbeth’s final fate brings death. Light symbolizes what little good that is present. At the start of the play, King Duncan is the symbol of light. He is the good, noble, natural King who does his job rightfully with just judgment. As soon as he is murdered, darkness truly enters the story. Once darkness takes control, the play becomes all about covering that darkness up or trying to get rid of it.

Shakespeare uses light and dark to enhance these images of good and evil. He is very good at making the two distinct opposites. Macbeth allows darkness to encompass him and take over his ways. As soon as the first murder occurs, light diminishes. It is gone until Duncan and Banquo are brought to justice. Darkness is squeezed between light and is used to intensify the moment and engage the audience. It is represented by the ambition of Macbeth. Macbeth’s ambition fights against the truth and what is god-ordained. Ultimately, light and dark symbolize the classic battle between good and evil.