The 17th century play Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, uses blood as a powerful symbol to amplify the tragic nature of the play. Before and immediately after Duncan's death, the blood amplifies the betrayal of Macbeth's murderous act. Throughout the play, the blood constantly reminds the audience of the ruthless means Macbeths took to obtain the crown. At the climax of the play, the blood symbolizes the irreconcilable guilt that will haunt the Macbeths throughout their lives. The ever-present symbolism of blood emphasizes the constant guilt felt by the Macbeths in their tragic pursuit of monarchy. The symbolism of blood before and immediately after Duncan's murder amplifies the extent of Macbeth's betrayal. Following the witches' prophecy, Macbeth contemplates the possible effects of murdering Duncan to gain the crown. Macbeth believes that killing Duncan will provide "bloody instruction" to Scotland and in turn "afflict the inventor" (1.7.9-10). This quote characterizes Duncan's murder as a bloody act, thus amplifying the severity of the crime. Before Duncan's murder, Macbeth hallucinates bloodstains on his dagger. Macbeth gives voice to this hallucination when he states, “I see thee again, and upon thy blade and thy staff dost thou splatter blood, which was not so before” (Macbeth 2.1.46-48). The false appearance of blood on Macbeth's dagger affirms his hesitation to kill Duncan. In this case, the blood symbolizes Macbeth's possible guilt for Duncan's murder. Immediately after Duncan's murder, Macbeth uses the symbol of blood to state the extent of his crime. Macbeth expresses immediate concern when he states: "All the great ocean of Neptune... in the center of the card... will be the irreconcilable guilt that will afflict the Macbeths for the rest of their lives. Shakespeare employs the powerful symbol of blood to increase the tragic nature of Macbeth, while adding a dual dramatic effect to the play Blood's recurring symbolism throughout the play constantly reminds the audience of Blood's irreconcilable guilt the symbolism in Duncan's murder turns an act of betrayal into a horrible betrayal. The symbolic appearance of blood throughout the middle parts of the play maintains the depth of Macbeth's unforgivable guilt. The use of blood as a symbol in the conclusion of the play affirms the eternity of Macbeth's guilt Shakespeare's use of blood as the main symbol in Macbeth creates a gripping tragedy in which the audience is able to understand the extent of the crime. Macbeth's irreconcilable guilt.