“A little water clears us of this deed”

• she attempts to downplay the gravity of Duncan’s murder, suggesting that the physical act of washing their hands will also cleanse their guilt.
• “little” trivialises the enormity of the crime, showing her calm, pragmatic approach in contrast to Macbeth’s immediate remorse. 
• emphasise Lady Macbeth’s initial strength and her ability to detach herself emotionally from their actions. 
• reflects the theme of guilt, but from a distorted perspective, she believes that guilt is something easily removed, just as blood can be washed away. 
• she convinces herself and her husband that they can conceal their crime and move on without consequence.
• later becomes tragically ironic, as her mental state deteriorates and she is eventually tormented by hallucinations of blood that will not wash away.
• Her earlier confidence is revealed to be temporary.
• Shakespeare foreshadows her eventual breakdown, showing that guilt, once planted, cannot be so easily erased.
• Act 2, Scene 2