In Act II, Scene 2, after he murders Duncan, Macbeth asks, "Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood / Clean from my hand?" Neptune was the Roman god of the sea.
How does this allusion to Neptune affect the play?
Question 2 options:
It indicates that Macbeth is delusional, imagining blood on his hands where there is none.
It reveals that Macbeth is highly educated, a trait that will serve him well when he assumes the Scottish throne.
It reveals the great depth of Macbeth's guilt, suggesting that all the water in the ocean cannot cleanse him of it.
It suggests that Macbeth views Duncan as a figure of great power, one whose death he cannot comprehend.
The correct answer is: It reveals the great depth of Macbeth's guilt, suggesting that all the water in the ocean cannot cleanse him of it.
By alluding to Neptune, the god of the sea, Macbeth is symbolically expressing his overwhelming guilt and remorse for his actions. He recognizes that no matter how much water or blood he tries to wash away, the stain of his crime will forever remain on his hands. This allusion emphasizes the extent of Macbeth's guilt and the weight of his actions, highlighting the emotional turmoil he is experiencing.