In any form of literature, the author wants his brainchild to cause its readers to envision the world he is trying to paint in their mind's eye. Shakespeare was a master of his craft, creating works with intense imagery, and Macbeth is no exception. Throughout the play, Shakespeare places great emphasis on several images to add colour to the play, such as blood, darkness, and sleep . The images reoccur consistently within the play, accentuating important elements in the play and defining the mood. They aid in setting a macabre tone on this spellbinding, bloody tragic masterpiece.

Blood appears again and again throughout the plays plot, serving as a powerful icon. In a story where murder plays such a prevalent role, it is very effective for creating mood. Blood makes its first appearance in the play at the very beginning, when a beaten and bloodied soldier brings tidings of...