1. Initial Response:
- Macbeth: When Macbeth first sees the blood on his hands after murdering King Duncan, he is appalled and horrified. He exclaims, "What hands are here? Ha! They pluck out mine eyes." His immediate reaction is guilt, shock, and a desire to wash away the evidence of his crime.
- Lady Macbeth: In contrast, Lady Macbeth initially dismisses the significance of the bloodstains. She confidently proclaims, "A little water clears us of this deed." She seems more focused on the practical matter of removing the evidence rather than the emotional impact of the murder.
2. Emotional Impact:
- Macbeth: Throughout the play, Macbeth becomes increasingly tormented by the psychological burden of his guilt. He hallucinates, experiences sleepwalking, and suffers from intense guilt and remorse. The blood on his hands becomes a constant reminder of his deed and haunts him relentlessly.
- Lady Macbeth: Initially dismissive of the blood, Lady Macbeth eventually succumbs to the mental strain of her actions. She becomes plagued by guilt, insomnia, and delusions. Unlike Macbeth, she attempts to rationalize and suppress her feelings, but the weight of her actions eventually becomes too much to bear.
3. Perception of Reality:
- Macbeth: Macbeth's guilt causes him to lose touch with reality. He becomes paranoid, fearful, and easily agitated. His perception of the world becomes distorted, leading to his downfall and eventual demise.
- Lady Macbeth: While also affected by her guilt, Lady Macbeth maintains a somewhat clearer grasp on reality. She tries to maintain a composed exterior and resorts to practical solutions, such as trying to remove the bloodstains.
4. Moral Compass:
- Macbeth: Deep down, Macbeth possesses a moral conscience that conflicts with his ambition and desire for power. The guilt he feels ultimately leads to his tragic end.
- Lady Macbeth: Lady Macbeth's moral compass seems more flexible and malleable. She is initially willing to push aside moral concerns in pursuit of power but ultimately faces the consequences of her actions.
In conclusion, Macbeth and his wife's contrasting attitudes toward their bloodstained hands emphasize their distinct character traits. While Macbeth is plagued by guilt and remorse, Lady Macbeth initially brushes aside the emotional weight of their crime. As the play progresses, however, both characters face the psychological consequences of their actions, ultimately leading to their tragic downfall. These differences highlight the complexities and nuances of human nature, morality, and the consequences of ambition.