What is the significance of the hand in Macbeth?

Shakespearean Plays Questions



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What is the significance of the hand in Macbeth?

In Macbeth, the hand symbolizes guilt, power, and the consequences of one's actions. The famous line "Out, damned spot!" spoken by Lady Macbeth refers to her guilt over the blood on her hands, representing the guilt and remorse she feels for her involvement in the murders. Additionally, the hand is also a symbol of power, as Macbeth's ambition drives him to commit heinous acts in order to gain and maintain power. Lastly, the hand represents the consequences of one's actions, as Macbeth's bloody hands ultimately lead to his downfall and demise.