How Is Guilt Presented In Macbeth

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In the tragedy Macbeth [1606] guilt is explored through the characters Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. This essay will explore how guilt is portrayed in Macbeth through the characterisation of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. In Macbeth, guilt is portrayed as a corrosive force that infiltrates the human mind and leads to irreversible consequences. Shakespeare explores guilt in the play through the characterisation of Macbeth. This is evident in Act 2 scene 1 in the soliloquy of Macbeth, “Is this a dagger which I see before me” where Macbeth hallucinates before killing Duncan. Shakespeare cleverly incorporates dramatic irony in the dialogue because of the fact that Macbeth is questioning the reality of the dagger when he himself is about to commit a murder. Through the use of dramatic irony the audience understands the significance of the dagger as a symbol of Macbeth's inner conflict and guilt.. …show more content…

This is evident in Act 5 scene 1, in the dialogue “ Will these hands ne’er be clean” where Lady Macbeth's guilt manifests in her sleepwalking. By incorporating dramatic irony, Shakespeare shows that while water can cleanse the blood on her hands, it cannot cleanse the guilt that she has after being a part of murdering Duncan. Shakespeare deliberately does this in an attempt to illustrate that her inability to wash away the guilt foreshadows the irreversibility of her actions. Additionally, Shakespeare further characterizes Lady Macbeth in Act 5 scene 1 in the dialogue, “Out damned spot! Out I say!” where Lady Macbeth's guilt manifests in her sleepwalking. By implementing symbolism in the word spot, Shakespeare conveys that the “ spot” symbolizes the guilt she feels for her involvement in King Duncan's murder. This illustrates her desperate attempt to cleanse her hand, revealing her unbearable remorse. Ultimately, the play Macbeth shows guilt through the characterization of Lady

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