Guilt

Question 1

Quotation that lady macbeth says that shows her lack of guilt

Answer 1

“A little water will clear us of the deed”

LM believes water will wash away the guilt of Duncan’s murder, however we later find out the guilt does not go

Question 2

How does Macbeth instantly show his guilt after Duncan’s murder?

Answer 2

He cannot say “Amen” when Malcolm and Donalbain say “God bless us”

Macbeth demonstrates here that he has forsaken not just his King, but his God. He is unable to use these holy words.
Context: Jacobean era was very religious (catholic)
Great chain of being

Question 3

What does Shakespeare use as a symbol of guilt?

Answer 3

Blood

Macbeth feels he cannot wash the blood from his hands in Act Two. Lady Macbeth cannot rid herself of the blood in Act Five.

Question 4

In the eyes of God and a religious audience, which of Macbeth’s crimes should he feel most guilty about?

Answer 4

Regicide

All murder was sinful, but the murder of a divinely chosen King was especially sinful.

Question 5

What is sleep a symbol of? And a quotation

Answer 5

Sleep is a sign of a clear conscience. Those who are not guilty sleep well

“Macbeth hath murdered sleep”

Question 6

Quotation that shows Macbeths guilt and cowardice

Answer 6

“My hands are of your colour, but i shame to wear a heart so white” - act 2 scene 2
“White” symbolises cowardice

Question 7

Quotation (and scene) which shows Macbeth’s guilty conscience is evident straight after Duncan’s murder

Answer 7

“How is’t with me, when every noise appals me?” - Macbeth’s guilty conscience is evident straight after Duncan’s murder, whereas Lady macbeth feels guilt build up gradually

Question 8

3 key quotations about guilt

Answer 8

“A little water will clear us of the deed”
He cannot say “amen” when Malcom and Donnalbain say “god bless”
“My hands are of your colour, but i shame to wear a heart so white” - act 2 scene 2