Macbeth symbols

"Look like the innocent flower,/But be the serpent under it." In Act 1, Scene 5, Lady Macbeth encourages Macbeth to play the part of the gracious host when Duncan arrives at Inverness. Images of serpents appear several times throughout Macbeth. In some instances, this motif seems to represent the theme of treachery, but Shakespeare also uses it to symbolize the concept of lineage.

miniature lady macbeth symbolism triptych

I think that this image is a very good representation of the play. It shows that someone was ambitious and wanted the crown. The blood on the hands show that the actions taken to have the crown were violent. The blood is also a symbol of guilt in the play, so the person who commits the bloody crimes is plagued by guilt.

Over here is another image that can be used as an attempt to symbolize the distress felt expressed by Macbeth in the quote above. The hands all over the character's face and body could symbolize how Macbeth may feel like he is being restrained in that position of guilt and remorse.

Click Here For The Full Page Illustrator: Kenny Meadows Engraver: John Orrin Smith Original Illustration Size: 205 x 98 mm / 8″2 x 3″26 Illustration Number: 2/17 Source Text: The Works of Shakspere…

What each apparition looks like