ep through the blanket of the dark to cry ‘hold, hold’ (1.5.49-50).” This line really serves two purposes, but the first is for night to come, so that the murder can occur. Lady Macbeth’s words suggest to the audience that her desires of murder can and will take place only under a dark sky. The darkness of night is present in many scenes throughout Macbeth. “Duncan arrives at Inverness as night falls; he is murdered during the night; Banquo returns from his last ride as night is again falling (Muir 48). This constant idea of night coming, then someone committing a gruesome crime helps the audience predict and interact their thoughts with the direction of the play. Another instance of darkness foreshadowing the future arrives when Ross speaks of darkness. “Darkness does the face of earth entomb, when living light should kiss it (2.4.9).” Ross believes that darkness controls every emotion and action on earth that is impure and it is bitter irony for it to associate and follow such beauty that is day. Fleance also exemplifies Ross’ sentiments with “There’s husbandry in heaven, Their candles are all out (2.1.4.).” We learn that the scene is now set for treachery and murder (Spurgeon 330). It is not a coincidence that Shakespeare uses ‘living’ as an adjective for light. The audience learns that light represents good and being alive, but also understands that death and sinful actions are representative of darkness. There are always two sides to every coin, no matter what the circumstances. Shakespeare develops and strengthens every scene by using darkness to precursor the evil intensions of his characters. Darkness continues to expose violence and sanguinary acts that occur during Macbeth. The image of darkness also conceals the actions and emotions of the characters within Macbeth. It is not only a physical darkness, but also a moral darkn...
