Lady Macbeth, the ambitious and ruthless wife of Macbeth, undergoes a profound psychological journey throughout William Shakespeare's play "Macbeth." At the beginning of the play, Lady Macbeth is confident and in control, encouraging her husband to commit regicide in order to seize the throne. However, as the play progresses, she begins to unravel, plagued by guilt and haunted by the atrocities she has helped to commit. This is exemplified by the contrast between her statement in Act II, Scene ii, that "A little water clears us of this deed" (67-68) and her breakdown in Act V, Scene i, where she desperately cries out, "What, will these hands ne'er be clean?" (40).
Lady Macbeth's character can be seen as a representation of the dangers of unchecked ambition and power. She is willing to go to great lengths to achieve her goals, including manipulating her husband and committing murder. However, as her guilt and remorse begin to consume her, she becomes a tragic figure, ultimately leading to her own demise.
In "Lady Macbeth: Infirm of Purpose," a critical essay by Harry Levin, he argues that Lady Macbeth's downfall is the result of her inability to reconcile her desire for power with her conscience. Levin writes, "Lady Macbeth, lacking the saving moral insight, the imaginative sensitivity that might have enabled her to purge her guilt, succumbs to the pressure of her self-inflicted agony" (151). This insight helps to explain Lady Macbeth's psychological journey throughout the play. Her initial confidence and control give way to guilt and torment, as she is unable to come to terms with the consequences of her actions.
Furthermore, Lady Macbeth's transformation highlights the theme of the corrupting nature of power. As she becomes more consumed with her desire for power, her morality and humanity are eroded, leading to her eventual breakdown. This is exemplified by her desperate plea for her hands to be cleansed of the blood of Duncan and the other victims of Macbeth's reign.
In conclusion, Lady Macbeth's character and psychological journey in "Macbeth" serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and power. Through her transformation from a confident and manipulative figure to a guilt-ridden and broken one, Shakespeare highlights the corrupting nature of power and the importance of moral insight and sensitivity. Lady Macbeth's character and journey demonstrate that even the most ruthless and ambitious figures are not immune to the consequences of their actions.