In the opening scene of the final act Lady Macbeth is in a state of disbelief for what she has done. Her once ruthless character has changed as she reflects on her fate. She is at a loss for words as she sits in a trance trying to understand her role in the numerous murders. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth have "switched roles" at this point because each of their personalities has transformed to the other. She was originally the instigator of killing the king which led to the other murders. "Here’s the smell of the blood still; all the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand. Oh, oh, oh!"-Lady Macbeth (scene i, line 20.) Lady Macbeth thinks that their devilish acts will always be associated with them even with time. She will never be able to forget the deaths and turmoil she caused. She speaks about how no perfume or amount of water can get rid of what they did. The murders are in the past now and it will continue to inhibit her daily living in guilt. "What’s done cannot be undone." - Lady Macbeth (Act V, scene 1) You can't bring someone back to life and Lady Macbeth is in denial of her future. She also speaks of a "murky hell" which her and Macbeth are already living in for their actions and guilt. This also imposes that she is already aware of her fate.
This post is a great post because it not only characterizes Lady Macbeth but it also interprets a few of her lines. I think the point about Macbeth and Lady Macbeth switching roles is very good point. Also the line interpretations are very well thought out and they make a lot of sense.
ReplyDeleteExcellent post, I agree with the idea of the two characters exchanging personalities as the play goes on. Nice use of a quotation as well, two thumbs up.
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