Motifs and Symbols
in Macbeth.
When reading Macbeth you have probably been struck by the repetition of ideas, language, imagery, objects and sounds. These are all referred to as Symbols or Motifs and are used by Shakespeare to help the audience understand the themes in his work.
Below is a guide to understand the difference between Symbols, Themes and Motifs
What is a Symbol?
It is an object, a picture, a written word, or a sound that is used to represent an abstract idea or concept. In Macbeth, Blood symbolises the guilt that stains Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s conscience
What is a Theme?
The Theme is the “big idea” of the story or the life experience the author is trying to convey to the reader. With a writer like Shakespeare there are always several themes running through his work such as Ambition and Fate v’s Freewill in Macbeth
What is a Motif?
A motif is a meaningful pattern of symbols, character types, actions, or events that reinforce the theme. A motif is not the theme, but it paints a picture of the theme for the reader and audience to discover.
A symbol by itself is not a motif. A motif is a collection or pattern of symbols and other narrative devices.
A symbol is an image representing a larger idea, and can become a motif if repeated throughout a work.
A motif includes anything that is repeated in a novel to reinforce the main idea/theme of the piece.
In Macbeth we have the repeated symbols of Blood: Bloody hands, Bloody daggers, Bloody battles etc. which indicate violence. We also have the symbols of water and hand washing which are symbols of cleansing. When combined together they become a motif of guilt and the staining of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s conscience which reinforces the overall idea of Macbeth of the consequences of Ambition.
Symbols, Motifs and themes are distinct but interdependable elements of Storytelling.