In the final acts of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the motif of blood plays a big role. It adds drama and shows how influential the sight of blood is to many people. For instance, in Act 5, Scene 3, lines 17-20, Macbeth says, Go prick thy face and over-red thy fear, thou lily-livered boy. What soldiers, patch? Death of thy soul! Those linen cheeks of thine are counselors to fear.”
What soldiers, whey-face? In this passage, Macbeth suggests that the servant cut his face so that blood will hide his cowardice. This adds drama and states that the sight of blood makes people look less cowardly and may scare another, thus giving Macbeth power over his enemy. In Act 4, Scene 1, page 335, lines 89-92, there is a reference to a bloody child that states, Be bloody, bold, and resolute; laugh to scorn The power of man, for none of woman born shall harm Macbeth.” It is more dramatic that it is said by a bloody child because it wouldn’t be such an important statement said by a regular man or woman. Characterization lets us know what is going on in each character’s head and lets us know things about the character that the author wants us to know. For example, in Act 4, Scene 1, pg.
In lines 165-179 of Act 3, Macbeth says aside, Time, thou anticipat’st my dread exploits. The castle of Macduff I will surprise, seize upon Fife, give to the edge o’ the sword his wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls that trace him in his line. Come, bring me where they are.” Shakespeare lets Macbeth talk to himself so the audience knows exactly what is going through his mind. In Act 5, scene 1, the whole opening section with the doctor talking to the gentlewoman is created so that we understand what is going on with Lady Macbeth without being told in a more obvious way that would take away from the play. Characterization is a big part of letting us know more about the play; otherwise, there would be many things we wouldn’t understand.
Foreshadowing adds suspense and gives the reader an eye into the future of the play to keep them interested and let them know what will happen. In Act 5, Scene 1, page 353, lines 73-75, the doctor says, Look after her; remove from her means of annoyance, and still keep eyes upon her.” This foreshadows that later in the play, Lady Macbeth might take her own life because of her guilty feelings. Also, at the beginning of Act 4, Scene 1, the three witches foreshadow by telling Macbeth what the future holds, such as showing him the lines of future kings. Shakespeare.
