The theme of guilt and conscience has been explored intensely in literature throughout history. Guilt can manifest from engaging in actions or behaviours against one’s moral code, or even from actions not committed by oneself. Usually, it is followed by emotional and/or psychological torment which can lead to one’s downfall through several ways such as confessing their guilt, sacrificing themselves to right a wrong, or even killing themselves in remorse. William Skapespeare’s Macbeth illustrates this excellently through the main characters, Macbeth and his guilt over the murder of Duncan and Banquo, and his wife, Lady Macbeth, with her manipulation and role in organizing the plot. Macbeth experiences a profound amount of guilt in the story as he plays a major role in both the assassination of Duncan by his own hand, and Banquo and Fleance, which he only ordered. …show more content…
Macbeth acknowledges that he has committed too many crimes and sins that he cannot stop, yet it is also as hard to continue on his path of violence. The use of imagery in his character being covered in blood showcases the depth of his guilt and the cruel and disgusting nature of his person and actions. Paired with his hallucinations and insomnia, Macbeth’s relentless guilt ultimately consumes him, illustrating the destructive power of unchecked guilt and moral corruption Initially, Lady Macbeth dismisses her guilt which contrasts sharply with her later overwhelming sense of guilt, highlighting her mental decline. Earlier in the story, she reassures Macbeth after Duncan’s death saying “"A little water clears us of this deed. / How easy is it, then!"