“Will all Great Neptune’s ocean wash the blood clean from my hand? No, this my hand will rather The multitudinous seas incarnadine making the green on red” (2.2.78-81).
In this quote, Macbeth is talking to himself as he begins to feel guilty about murdering King Duncan. After killing him, he awakens to the enormity of what he has just done. The audience begins to see that Macbeth is not quite as strong as he thinks he is.
Shakespeare uses words to help contribute to the meaning. For example, ‘turning the green one red’ suggests he feels so guilty no amount of water could wipe away the blood on his hands.
Additionally, the word ‘Neptune’ suggests that even the god’s great power cannot clear Macbeth of this ghastly deed.
Shakespeare uses symbolism to further the reader’s understanding of Macbeth’s guilt. When Macbeth says no amount of water can wash the blood from his hands, this symbolizes the fact he will never be able to cleanse away his guilt. Ultimately, in this passage, the audience learns that Macbeth’s hands are irreparably stained with blood.