The 17th century play Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, uses blood as a powerful symbol to amplify the tragic nature of the work. Before and immediately after Duncan's death, the blood amplifies the betrayal of Macbeth's murderous act. Throughout the play, blood constantly reminds the audience of the ruthless means the Macbeths go to in order to win the crown. At the climax of the play, blood symbolizes the irreconcilable guilt that will haunt the Macbeths throughout their lives. The pervasive symbolism of blood emphasizes the constant guilt felt by the Macbeths in their tragic quest for monarchy. The symbolism of blood before and immediately after Duncan's murder amplifies the magnitude of Macbeth's betrayal. Following the witches' prophecy, Macbeth considers the possible effects of killing Duncan in order to win the crown. Macbeth believes that Duncan's murder will provide "bloody instruction" to Scotland and that in turn "the inventor will be a scourge" (1.7.9-10). This quote characterizes Duncan's murder as a bloody act, thus amplifying the seriousness of the crime. Before Duncan's murder, Macbeth hallucinates bloody stains on his dagger. Macbeth expresses this hallucination when he says: “I see you again, and on your blade and your staff drops of blood, which was not the case before” (Macbeth 2.1.46-48). The false appearance of blood on Macbeth's dagger affirms his hesitation to murder Duncan. In this case, the blood symbolizes Macbeth's possible guilt in Duncan's murder. Immediately after Duncan's murder, Macbeth uses the symbol of blood to assert the magnitude of his crime. Macbeth expresses immediate concern when he states: "The ocean of great Neptune... middle of paper... will be the irreconcilable guilt that will torment the Macbeths for the rest of their lives. Shakespeare uses the powerful symbol of blood to heighten the tragic nature of Macbeth, while adding dramatic effect to the play. Blood's recurring symbolism throughout the play constantly reminds the audience of Macbeth's irreconcilable guilt in Duncan's murder. The symbolic appearance of blood in the middle parts of the play maintains the depth of Macbeth's unforgivable guilt. The use of blood as a symbol in the play's conclusion affirms the perpetuity of Shakespeare's inclusion of blood. Macbeth's major symbol creates a compelling tragedy in which the audience is able to understand the extent of Macbeth's irreconcilable guilt..