In Act IV Lady MacBeth starts to have an internal conflict that progresses as the play goes on. She can't seem to get over the guilt of having MacBeth kill the king, even though she thought it was exactly what she wanted. She constantly washes her hands to try to wash away the blood only she can see but it never works because she can't undo the act. The guilt quickly takes over her life to the point where she goes crazy and kills herself. This woman is a very different person from the Lady MacBeth of acts I and II. She felt no remorse and made fun of MacBeth for feeling bad about what he had done. She also expressed that she thought it was better to commit an act and feel guilty than to not do it at all. By act IV she finally realizes how strong an emotion guilt can be.
I agree about Lady Macbeth now feeling responsible for the death of Duncan. I originally thought that she was forcing Macbeth into it so she could feel less responsible for his death, but I now believe it has had the opposite effect. I also agree that she is a completely different person than she was in the beginning of the story.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with the points made in this post. I feel that you have really managed to capture the way Lady Macbeth has changed in terms of the way she views her own guilt over sins committed and the ultimate outcome that has on her both mentally and physically.
ReplyDeleteI agree, I also add that lot of the conflicts that present themselves in the tragedy of Macbeth are internal. Even what appears as an external conflict; also has an internal affair with the characters as well.
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