Macbeth+Project+-+Daisy+G+-+analysis

When Lady Macbeth experiences moments without lucidity, her façade of stoicism and strength slip away to unveil her psychological distress. During her encounter with the gentlewoman and Doctor, her demeanor emulated distress and guilt instead of her usual intimidation, as she cried "Out, damned spot, out I say! One. Two. Why then, 'tis time to do'it." (5.1.25-26). By describing the spot as 'damned', she reveals her negative feelings towards it and the discomfort she feels about its presence, implying she feels guilt concerning the murder of Duncan. By including one word sentences, Shakespeare highlights her temporary insanity, as she attempts to regain control and order by commanding the imaginary bloodstains to disappear. When Lady Macbeth discusses hell as murky, the imagery she uses evaluates the nature of hell, putting emphasis on the "shades of gray" instead of black and white. She continues her outcry, this time commanding her attention to an imaginary Macbeth, "Fie, my lord, fie, a soldier and afeard? What need we fear who knows it, when none can call our power to account?" (5.1.26-27). Her tone is slightly mocking, questioning Macbeth on his fear of being caught despite her claims that nobody can prove their involvement in the crime. She showcases that through her word choice, juxtaposing the descriptions of "solider" and "afeard" in order to demonstrate the ridiculousness of this oxymoronic guilt. However, while she is able to condescend Macbeth, she fails to hide her own fear and guilt, questioning "Yet who would have thought the old man to have so much blood in him?" (5.1.28-29). The question itself serves as a metaphor; Lady Macbeth is questioning why he has so much blood in him due her hallucinations of it staining her hands, yet she is really questioning her guilt. Thus although she represents strength throughout the play, her guilt consumes her to the point of madness.