Yet who would have thought the old man to have so much blood in him?

To remember this quote use the following mnemonic.

The yeti said, "Who would have thought the old man to have so much blood in him?"

"Yet who would have thought the old man to have so much blood in him?" This is spoken by Lady Macbeth, Act 5, scene 1, line 30, during her sleepwalking scene as she relives the murder of King Duncan. 

Meaning 

• "Yet who would have thought the old man to have so much blood in him?" - Lady Macbeth is recalling Duncan's murder and expressing shock at the amount of blood which symbolizes the guilt and horror she feels. 

• Overall interpretation - The line shows how deeply the murder has affected her, even though she once told Macbeth, "A little water clears us of this deed."

Exam advice 

• Context - Lady Macbeth is now mentally unstable, consumed by guilt and speaking in her sleep about the murder. 

• Theme of guilt - This quote powerfully illustrates her psychological breakdown. The image of blood is a symbol of guilt that she can't wash away. 

• Character development - Earlier, Lady Macbeth seemed ruthless and in control. Now she is fragile and haunted by what they've done. 

• Symbolism - Blood is used throughout the play to symbolize guilt and conscience. Here, it overwhelms her. 

• Foreshadowing - Her guilt leads to her eventual suicide, suggesting that unchecked ambition and moral corruption come at a cost.