Shakespeare’s Brilliant Use of Symbolism

“To be or not to be - that is the question” (Kittredge, 993). This is one of William Shakespeare’s best known and used quotes. Many who use it do not even know what piece it is taken from, or what exactly it means. It just sounds like a cool, tragic, Shakespearean quote to use to sound more intelligent. And that is the sad truth. Shakespeare’s works are filled with quotes, soliloquies, and experts, like this one, that are filled with innuendos, imagery, word choice, etc. One very important literary technique used by Shakespeare, in all of his works, is his symbolism, which portrayed Shakespeare’s life, time period, and messages he wished to get across to his audience. He also used his symbolism to satirize whomever he wished. Shakespeare’s works would not be complete without his symbolism, which is used throughout all of his works. One example of William Shakespeare’s brilliant use of symbolism can be seen in the play Macbeth. In this play Shakespeare uses symbolism to represent the overall theme of murder. The contrast of light and dark throughout the play symbolizes the good and evil that is being battled. During the time that Macbeth was written the king was associated with the sun. A sunset, then, represented the king’s death or overthrow of his rule in power. "When shall we three meet again . . . " and "That will be ere the set of sun." (Shakespeare, Act I, Scene I, ll 1 and 5), are quotes that symbolize and foreshadow the coming death of the king. They, the witches, shall meet again when the king has been done away with. The contrast and symbolism between light and dark continues throughout the play. "Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep desires." (Act I, Scene IV, ll 50-51) symbolizes Macbeth’s step towards evil. He does not want anyone or anything to bring to knowledge his dark and evil plans. Another symbolism in the contrast of light and dark is nighttime. Whenever anything bad is occurring, or is about to occur it takes

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