Exploring blood as symbol of guilt in 'Macbeth'

Blood is a motif that is associated with guilt in 'Macbeth'. Initially, both Lady Macbeth and Macbeth's reference to blood reflects their guilt and intact conscience. As the play progresses, Macbeth is haunted by blood and guilt. Lady Macbeth doesn't see blood as staining and thus rejects her guilt early on in the play. At the end of the play, both Macbeth and his wife are consumed by blood and guilt, both appearing helpless.