Blood in Macbeth In the play Macbeth, a symbol of blood is portrayed frequently and has different meanings throughout the play, this symbol is developed until it eventually becomes the main theme of the play. The first use of blood is one of honor and respect, and occurs when Duncan sees the injured captain and says "What bloody man is that"(1.2.1). This symbolizes the braveness shown of the soldier who been injured in the battle. In the next instance it is used the injured captain says "Which smok'd with bloody execution"(1.2.18) , he is referring to Macbeth's braveness in which his sword is covered in the blood of the enemy.