Theme of Darkness in Macbeth The theme of darkness can be applied to many different things in literature, not the least of whice are: evil, the unknown, sinfulness, intellectual or moral blindness ignorance and disorder.  Darkness holds several of these meanings and more in Shakespear's Macbeth. It goes to illustrate and intensify the evil intents of the main character Macbeth and his wife as well as providing them with a means to carry out the dire deeds with out being caught.  Darkness as it applies to setting:                       * The entire play takes place in some sort of darkened atmosphere except at the end when                         Macbeth is slayed and the crown of Scottland is returned to it rightfull owner, Malcolm.                      *  The witches appear only when it is cloudy, late or in their dark cave                       * The murders of Banquo and Duncan are both carried out at night                      * Fleance escapes into the darkness of night Darkness as it applies to character:                      * Macbeth cries "Stars hide your fires; Let not light see my dark and deep desires."                          as he knows the evil deeds are too horrible to be seen by the light.                      * Lady Macbeth, earlier in the play, prays to darkness  for aid in carrying out                          her husbands mission. She later has light by her constantly as she is afraid of the evil                         the darkness represents Darkness as it applies to mood:                       * Then entire play takes place in twilight, shadow, rain, storms, or in the middle of the night creating an                          overwhelming sense of gloom and evil.