Symbols

Macbeth's conscience and hallucinations are reoccurring symbols in this play. Whenever Macbeth sees something that is not there, it is his guilty conscience. In Act 2 we saw the dagger which was leading him to Duncan's chamber to kill him. By the time we get to Act 3, he has already killed Duncan and some guards. In Act 3, he gets two men to kill Banquo and his son. Although they are not successful in killing his son, they kill Banquo. At a meeting in which Macbeth is speaking at, he sees Banquo, who he knows is already dead. These hallucinations could end up with him losing his power because they make him seem crazy. Hallucinations may represent Macbeth's downfall as the play goes on. If he continues to act the way he does, his conscience will get to him and he doesn't seem to be able to deal with that.