Role of infants and children

Macbeth

Macbeth is one of the most well-known works written by William Shakespeare. The use of symbolism, meanwhile, is a significant aspect of the play which often becomes an area of study and critics, and the role of babies and children in the play is certainly most intriguing.
In Act IV scene I, the second apparition whom Macbeth has sought counsel from was depicted as a bloody child. This was done due to a number of reasons. Young children were used as a symbol for vulnerability and innocence in the play; a blood-stained child therefore would suggest that the innocent will die because of Macbeth’s lust for power. This was evident in various scenes, like the scenes where Duncan and Banquo were murdered by the orders of Macbeth. In addition, the apparition also implied that the last of Macbeth’s innocence has diminished through his struggle for power, a statement which was proven right later in the play when Macduff’s family was slaughtered. Immediately afterwards, the third apparition appeared in the same scene. It also took the shape of a young child, but was crowned and was holding a tree. This was obviously to warn Macbeth of the imminent danger that he was facing, but also conveyed a more subtle meaning in an evasive way. The crown symbolised kingship while the tree symbolised the rebellion rising against Macbeth, the overall message of the apparition would therefore be that the innocent will become king once more.
Another example of children’s appearance in Macbeth was the scene just before Macduff’s family was murdered. The young son of Lady Macduff served as a symbol for the innocent, once again. By closely examining the conversation between the mother and son, it was not hard to conclude that Macduff’s son already knew about the power struggle in the Scottish royal palace. This could consequently illustrate the fact that the innocent and the vulnerable were unwillingly engaged in the conflicts. Duncan’s son Malcolm and Banquo’s son Fleance were examples of such.
There were also scenes in which babies and children appeared and played crucial roles in the play, however, overall, the role of babies and children in Macbeth is defined as a symbol for innocence and vulnerability. It proved to be a very important role, as throughout the play, they served as important messengers which sent hints to the audience, and furthermore, highlighted what will happen as time passes. Their importance in Macbeth was therefore significant and unarguable.