Act 2 Scene 2

In this scene Shakespeare uses symbolism as a powerful language feature. After Macbeth has done the deed of killing the King he says “Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood
Clean from my hand? No, this my hand will rather
The multitudinous seas in incarnadine”
Macbeth is saying that when he goes to wash the blood from his hands they will turn the water red before they are clean. The blood actually symbolises Macbeth’s guilt for his actions. He is saying that his conscience cannot be cleared of his guilt. Lady Macbeth feels a lot differently about their actions to King Duncan. She says
“My hands are of your colour; but I shame
To wear a heart so white.”
Once again the blood on her hands symbolise the guilt that she feels however she says that her heart is white. Lady Macbeth’s ‘white’ heart is still pure as she feels no remorse or guilt.