41. "i am in blood stepp'd in so far that, should i wade no more, returning were as tedious
as go o'er."
discuss this quotation by macbeth, in regard to his character and to the theme of the
play.
42. does lady macbeth really faint or only pretend to do so? critics have debated this
point for centuries. if she really faints, what does this indicate about her character? if
she only pretends, what might that prove? discuss both views: give your own opinion;
prove your interpretation fits her character as seen throughout the play.
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81

"I am in blood stepp'd in so far that, should I wade no more, returning were as tedious  as go o'er."  Discuss this quotation by Macbeth, in regard to his character and to the theme of the play.

Macbeth realizes that he has already killed king Duncan and Banquo, and that there is no use in giving up at this point.

Explanation:

Macbeth is driven by a desire to become a king. In order to do so, he kills king Duncan. Later on, he kills Banquo, because the witches tell him that Banquo's sons represent a threat to the throne.

Macbeth utters these lines in Act 3, Scene 4, during the 'great feast' organized in honor of him becoming the new king. During the celebration, Macbeth sees the ghost of Banquo, and talks to him in front of the guests. He continues with analyzing his actions, and realizes that he has already killed Banquo, Duncan, and the guards, and that there is no turning back. He has already done 'the deed', and, as he states, it would be as hard to become a good person again as it is to continue killing people.

Does Lady Macbeth really faint or only pretend to do so?

she swerves to avoid the turtle.