Lady Macbeths Warning: Foreshadowing Madness in Shakespeares Macbeth

What Does Lady Macbeth Mean by ‘These Deeds Must Not Be Thought’ in Macbeth?

Understanding the Context

In Macbeth, Act 2, Scene 2, Lady Macbeth says, 'These deeds must not be thought / After these ways so it will make us mad.' This quote might initially seem like a straightforward warning against dwelling on their past actions, but it carries much deeper significance within the context of the play.

Following the murder of King Duncan and Macbeth's return to the scene, Macbeth is deeply shaken and preoccupied with the guilt and the visual horror of his hands stained with blood. He is fixated on Duncan's last words, 'God bless us,' and his inability to respond, which brings a supernatural element to the scene.

Shakespeare's Use of Foreshadowing

Shakespeare employs foreshadowing to hint at the psychological toll of the characters' actions. Lady Macbeth's warning is the verbal equivalent of a slap to reality, urging Macbeth to refocus and avoid the overwhelming guilt that plagues him. Lady Macbeth knows that inwardly dwelling on these deeds could indeed drive them to madness.

Themes and Psychological Impact

The quote highlights several central themes in the play: guilt, ambition, and the psychological ramifications of wrongdoing. Lady Macbeth's concern is not just pragmatic but also a reflection of her initial resolve and ambition. She understands that maintaining a facade of strength is crucial, but she also harbors a sense of foreboding.

Madness and Spiritual Ambiguity

The term 'madness' in Macbeth is ambiguous and dated. It is left to the audience to determine whether the Macbeths truly go mad in the traditional sense. However, it is evident that both characters suffer from increasing instability and mental unrest after the act of regicide.

For Lady Macbeth, the infamous 'out damned spot' scene is a clear indication of her psychological breakdown, driven by guilt. However, it is arguable that other factors, such as her adherence to the dark path she has chosen, contribute to her mental state as well. Her eventual apparent suicide, which may or may not be a true act of intention, underscores her mental unraveling.

Macbeth's Decline

Macbeth's psychological decline is a more gradual process. He experiences a series of deteriorating states: complaints of nightmares, paranoia, and a detachment from reality. His interactions with Banquo and his subsequent actions during the final act suggest a growing disconnect from reality. While his fall can be attributed to multiple factors, such as the death of Banquo, his child's survival, his meeting with the witches, and his public acknowledgment of guilt, the murder of King Duncan is certainly a pivotal cause.

Conclusion

Whether the prophecy of madness is fulfilled or not is left open for interpretation. What is certain is that both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth suffer from profound emotional and psychological instability. Their ensuing descent into madness is a complex interplay of guilt, ambition, and the overwhelming weight of their actions. In this context, Lady Macbeth's warning is not just a momentary tactical intervention but a profound insight into the psychological and ethical landscape of the play.