Cleansing and Purity: Water is often associated with purification and the washing away of sins. However, in "Macbeth", it ironically highlights the characters' inability to cleanse themselves from the guilt of their crimes.
Blood and Guilt: Water is contrasted with blood, symbolizing the aftermath of violence and murder. The characters feel tainted and burdened by the blood they have spilled, and water fails to wash away their guilt.
Moral Deterioration: As Macbeth's descent into darkness progresses, water imagery becomes increasingly associated with moral decay, madness, and insanity.
Failed Attempts at Purification: Macbeth's famous line, "Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood / Clean from my hand?", reflects his desperate attempt to cleanse himself, knowing it is impossible.
Nature and the Supernatural: Water is also connected with the supernatural elements in the play, particularly in the form of the witches and their prophecies. Their apparitions and incantations often involve water, emphasizing their control over mystical forces.
Birth, Rebirth, and Resurrection: Water can symbolize birth and rebirth, as seen in Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking scene where she tries to wash away the "spots" from her hands, suggesting a desire for spiritual renewal.
Mirror of the Soul: Water serves as a mirror reflecting the inner turmoil and emotional states of the characters. For instance, during the banquet scene, Macbeth sees the ghost of Banquo and experiences intense guilt, causing him to hallucinate and imagine himself drowning in blood.
Overall, water in "Macbeth" symbolizes purification, guilt, moral decay, and the complex interplay between the natural and supernatural realms. It highlights the characters' struggles with conscience, remorse, and the consequences of their actions.