"What beast was't then,.
That made you break this enterprise to me? .
Be so much more the man." (1:7:48-51).
.
She knows she has almost convinced Macbeth at this point, but she goes on to explain that he cannot go back on his word, she claims that she herself would have " dash"d the brains out- of a newborn, if she had promised to do so. The significance of this is that it shows how Lady Macbeth's character develops from being just unpleasant to evil, within the space of a few lines.
However evil and confident Lady Macbeth appears to be, we see the first small cracks in her fearless facade in Act 2, Scene 2 when she appears nervous about their murder plot, yelling "Hark! Peace!" upon hearing an owl.
She shows further vulnerability just a few lines on:.
"Had he [Duncan] not resembled my father as he slept, .
I had done't." (2:2:13-14).
It is debatable whether or not she is telling the truth or simply making excuses for not being able to kill him herself. Either way this shows weakness, which belies her hard exterior.
However, as soon as Macbeth shows signs of regret, saying his bloody hands are "a sorry sight", Lady Macbeth replies with:.
"A foolish thought to say a sorry sight." (2:2:22).
"Consider it not so deeply." (2:2:31).
Any sensitivity or vulnerability on her husband's part has the effect of making her temporarily overcome her own weakness and doubts. When Macbeth refuses to return to the room where he has murdered Duncan, Lady Macbeth becomes really angry and says she would be ashamed "to wear a heart so white." She thinks there are no moral consequences to their actions, that "what's done is done.".
"A little water clears us of this deed." (2:2:67).
She is now back in charge and is showing no remorse. The water is symbolic of purity, and brings to mind religious images, such as Baptism. The idea of this holy, pure thing clearing them of the greatest sin seems rather ironic. .
By Act 3, Scene 2 we see that Lady Macbeth is now the more passive partner in her relationship with her husband.
