Macbeth Acts 2 and 3

In Acts 2 and 3, Shakespeare depicts Macbeth as a dynamic character.  Macbeth cannot be categorized as being purely evil, as he expresses remorse and anxiety.  He questions the righteousness of his decision to kill Duncan and later Banquo.  HIs internal suffering is apparent through physical illness and racing thoughts,  “Ere we will eat our meal in fear, and sleep/In the affliction of these terrible dreams/That shake us nightly.  Better be with the dead,/Whom we, to gain our peace, have sent to peace,/Than on the torture of the mind to lie/In restless ecstasy.”  (3.2.20-25). Macbeth expresses how he cannot “eat”, “sleep”, or “dream” without being reminded of Duncan’s murder.  His only peace of mind will exist upon his own death.   However, even though Macbeth is physically and mentally suffering (apparent through his visions of Banquo’s ghost), he does not stop his murderous rampage.  He is intent on killing all people who threaten his power, or are suspicious about how he ascended to power.  As a result, although he expresses some remorse and regret, Macbeth is still characterized as a greedy and power-hungry man.  As a result, he is willing to take whatever means necessary to ensure his power as king.  

  In contrast, Lady Macbeth can be classified as solely acting out of self-motivation.  She does not appear fazed by assisting in the murders.  Instead, she encourages Macbeth to stage a crime scene in Duncan’s chamber, deflecting suspicion of his involvement in the murder to Duncan’s servants.  In addition, Lady Macbeth remains calm and collected in the face of crime and catastrophe.  She instructs Macbeth to “Go get some water/and wash this filthy witness from your hand.”  (2.2.60-61)  She wants Macbeth to feel cleansed of sin, and is seemingly blasé in that she believes that the physical act of hand washing will enable personal rectification and purification.  As a result, Lady Macbeth does not seem to internalize how devastating and inhumane Duncan’s murder is.  She even maintains a healthy “rosy” pallor and complexion, seemingly unaffected by planning and staging a murder scene.   Therefore, Lady Macbeth’s lack of remorse or guilt reveals her characterization as apathetic, cold, and selfish.