Subtle sympathy is retained for MacBeth and in some cases Lady MacBeth is through the use of a variety of crafting techniques including imagery, character contrasts, differing points of view and foreshadowing. Blood is the most used form of imagery. The blood represents the human conscience, life, death and to remind MacBeth and Lady MacBeth of what they have done. After Duncan has been killed and MacBeth and Lady MacBeth have blood all over their hands, MacBeth is starting to feel guilt settle upon him but Lady MacBeth believes that washing the blood away will be the last time they...
audience feels sad for MacBeth, as they and MacBeth know he is going to be defeated. The witches malicious behaviour has set MacBeth up his unprepared for what is going to happen.

It's evident that crafting techniques such as imagery, character contrasts, differing points of view and foreshadowing retains sympathy for MacBeth and in some cases Lady MacBeth. However, the sympathy is quite subtle. It's put in place so the audience does feel sympathy for MacBeth but makes them question MacBeth's true intentions and whether he truly is the honourable and courageous man or whether simply a moral coward.