This quote by Lady Macbeth comes just before the murder of King Duncan. Lady Macbeth's call to the spirits to "unsex" her sets up an extended metaphor in which the actions of a woman, namely a mother, differ from that of a man, namely a soldier. She wants to be given inner strength to carry her through the ill deed that she and her husband have planned. She does not want any feelings of warmth or "motherly" tenderness to cause her to feel guilt or remorse. She wants to have no hesitation in action. Lady Macbeth wants to assume the role of soldier, ready to carry out his orders. Her actions relate to the themes of ambition and greed in the play. Lady Macbeth will stop at nothing to see the prophecy carried out, believing that the rule of Scotland has benefits for both her and Macbeth.
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