1. Guilt and Remorse: After urging her husband, Macbeth, to murder King Duncan, Lady Macbeth becomes consumed by guilt and remorse. She cannot bear the weight of their crime and suffers from hallucinations, including seeing the ghost of Banquo and the bloodstain on her hand that won't wash off.
2. Ambition and Power: Lady Macbeth's initial desire for power and position drives the couple's actions, but once they achieve their goals, she struggles with the consequences. The burden of guilt and the emptiness of power becomes unbearable leading her to mental distress.
3. Loss of Control: Lady Macbeth's strong personality and sense of control begin to slip as the nightmarish events unfold. She becomes increasingly desperate and fearful, losing her ability to cope with the situation rationally.
4. Isolation: As their crimes continue and their guilt grows, Lady Macbeth becomes isolated both emotionally and socially. Macbeth distances himself from her, and she feels the weight of their actions alone, further contributing to her mental decline.
5. Sleep Deprivation: Lady Macbeth's mental state deteriorates as she experiences severe sleep deprivation. The guilt and nightmares prevent her for finding restful sleep, which exacerbates her mental turmoil and hallucinations.
These factors, combined with the heightened emotional intensity and the supernatural elements in the play, contribute to Lady Macbeth's descent into madness and eventual downfall.