Final answer:
The quote is from Macbeth, an anguished exclamation by the title character. It occurs after Macbeth murders the King and is overwhelmed by guilt and dread. The line exemplifies themes of guilt and the psychological impact of his crime.
A) Macbeth
Step-by-step explanation:
The quote "What hands are here? Ha! They pluck out mine eyes!" is from Macbeth, a tragedy by William Shakespeare. This line occurs in Act 2, Scene 2, and is spoken by Macbeth himself. The context of this quote is Macbeth's psychological unraveling after he has murdered King Duncan. Macbeth is staring at his blood-stained hands, aghast at the severity of his own actions, symbolizing the guilt that will haunt him.
The blood on his hands represents the undeniable evidence of his crime and the realization that he cannot undo the murder is visually represented by the metaphorical statement that his bloody hands could "pluck out" his eyes, as if trying to avoid the sight of his guilt. Lady Macbeth, his wife, attempts to strengthen him, urging him to wash away the blood and berating him for bringing the murder weapons back instead of placing them with the sleeping guards.
The discussion around Macbeth's lines revolves around themes of guilt, the psychological consequences of ambition, and moral corruption. Lady Macbeth's lines complement this by showing her initial resolve and her own eventual descent into madness, showcasing a powerful dynamic between the protagonists. Macbeth's inability to find solace in the idea that "all great Neptune's ocean" could not cleanse him of his guilt further illustrates the deep psychological distress caused by his actions.