esurfaces when Lady Macbeth tells her husband: “Had he not resembled / My father as he slept, I had done ’t” (II. ii. 12-13). She uses her father as an excuse for her inaction (Coriat 221).The entire murderous experience fills Lady Macbeth with intense fear and horror. The silence, whispering, and dangerous situation that is broken by the knocking at the gate transforms Lady Macbeth’s delusive bravery into consummate terror. She also realizes that the murder of Duncan is rendered even more evil because it violates claims of kindred and hospitality (Jameson 191). She chooses to repress the secret of the murder and the horror generated by the experience (Coriat 220). She tells her husband: “These deeds must not be thought / After these ways; so, it will make us mad” (II. ii. 33-34). This repression will eventually drive her to hysterical dissociation.Now that the regicide has been executed, Lady Macbeth has time to brood over her actions. She becomes consumed with thoughts of her nefarious deed. She loses almost all of her ambition and becomes utterly depressed. It is apparent that Lady Macbeth knows her life will never be pleasant again. She states:Nought’s had, all’s spent, Where our desire is got without content:‘Tis safer to be that which we destroyThan by destruction dwell in doubtful joy. (III. ii. 4-7)These words expose her melancholy and foreshadow her denouement (Coriat 221).The relationship between Macbeth and his despairing wife has disintegrated. He has stopped confiding in her about his plans. From this point on, Lady Macbeth takes no part in the future violence that Macbeth inflicts (Jameson 192). In their dialogue prior to the banquet, Lady Macbeth inquires about Macbeth’s plans, but he avoids answering her question by telling her to: “Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck, / Till thou applaud the deed” (III. ii. 45-46). Macbe...
