Macbeth LRJ #5

A common theme presented in act 5 is the concept of power. Macbeth believed that the prophecy gave him enough power to be invincible to all those born from a women. "I cannot taint with fear. What's the boy Malcolm? Was he not born of woman? The spirits that know All mortal consequences have pronounced me thus: “Fear not, Macbeth. No man that's born of woman Shall e'er have power upon thee.” Then fly, false thanes, And mingle with the English epicures. The mind I sway by and the heart I bear" Shall never sag with doubt nor shake with fear. His strive for power lead him to this complicated dramatic situation and brought the play to its epic ending. Lady Macbeth's desire for power lead her to self destruction."(5.3.3-14)

I fallowed the image of Blood through act 5. When Lady Macbeth is sleep walking she remarks: "The thane of Fife had a wife. Where is she now?—What, will these hands ne'er be clean?" (5.1.30-31) The blood symbolizes sin throughout the play. originally it was Lady Macbeth's claim that water could easily wash away the blood. At this point the she is hopelessly lost in guilt and she wonders how one murder could lead to so much pain. She cant wash away the guilt like the stains of blood wont wash off her hands, metaphorically.