In William Shakespeare's “Macbeth”, Lady Macbeth is an important example of how resilience changes when guilt is being weighed heavily on a person. Lady Macbeth was introduced as a determined and ambitious woman who was the primary influence that ultimately pushed her husband to commit murder. However, her resolve changes when the consequences of what she’s done begin to take place. Her character is crucial to the play, which is why her drastic personality change from fierce determination to a state of madness is so important in showing the effects guilt can have on one's resilience. Guilt is capable of shaping one’s resilience and has a significant impact on one’s thoughts and behaviors. The impact this has is seen through one's mental well-being, the loss of self assurance, and the burden it places on …show more content…
Upon King Duncan’s death, her character begins to change, directly reflecting what her unchecked ambitions are doing to her. Her frantic attempts to wash her hands of King Duncan’s imagined blood along with the line “Out damned spot, out I say!” shows the sorrow she is feeling and the influence of guilt on her once resolute self. By repeating the request more and more desperately, it begins to turn this line and action into an illustration of how far Lady Macbeth has fallen into this spiral. The sleepwalking, the handwashing, and the manic behavior are all a result of how the weight of her involvement in King Duncan’s murder is affecting her physically. The difference between Lady Macbeth’s earlier desires and current mental state emphasizes the toll guilt is having on her resilience. Her descent into madness shows how her desire for power caused the emotional battle within herself and the weakening of her ability to cope with it. As Lady Macbeth struggles with the series of consequences of her