provide the emotions of each character to surface. The image of blood also creates an open channel for the characters to release any feelings of guilt or regret. The first instance of guilt, through blood, comes as Macbeth regrets his evil deed. “Bloody instructions, which, being taught, return to plague th’ inventor (1.7.9-10).” Macbeth, realizing the significance of the treacherous act, deeply feels the burden of another’s blood. He, looking at his bloody hands moments after the murder of Duncan, says, “ This is a sorry sight (2.2.18).” Once again, Macbeth’s remorse rises to the surface through the image of blood. Lady Macbeth also feels the sadness of regret as she too gazes at her hands. “Here’s the smell of the blood still: all the/ perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand (5.1.48-49).” The remorse within Lady Macbeth leads her into a fatal downfall. This burden causes her to have vivid hallucinations of the thick blood that covers her hands. “out, damned spot! Out, I say (5.1.33-34)!” She remembers the blood that engulfs her limbs after the murder of Duncan. The denial and regret that associates with blood controls the hearts of the characters within Macbeth....
