What does Lady Macbeth mean when she says The attempt and not the deed confounds us?

In William Shakespeare's play "Macbeth," Lady Macbeth's statement, "The attempt and not the deed confounds us," reflects her belief that it is not the planning or plotting of a deed that leads to failure but rather the hesitation or lack of action that prevents the deed from being completed successfully.

Lady Macbeth's context emphasizes the importance of overcoming fear, doubt, and moral hesitations to achieve their ambitious goal of becoming king and queen of Scotland. She argues that the mere contemplation or planning of the deed, without actually carrying it out, is what causes confusion and fear. It is the act of committing the deed itself that allows them to overcome the mental and emotional barriers holding them back.

By urging her husband, Macbeth, to take bold and decisive action and not get bogged down by doubts and fears, Lady Macbeth reflects the ruthless and calculating nature of their shared ambition. She suggests that the act itself, once committed, will bring clarity and resolve, freeing them from the turmoil and anxiety of the attempt.