Background Information
Cain and Abel were the sons of Adam and Eve.
Cain was depicted as a crop farmer while Abel was depicted as a shepherd.
Cain was considered sinful and killed his brother because God would not accept his offering,
but would accept his brother’s.
Biblical/Historical Significance
Cain is considered the first murderer
while Abel is sometimes considered
the first martyr.
Quote
While sleepwalking, Lady Macbeth begins washing her hands saying, “ Yet here's a spot. . . Out, damned spot; out I say” Unable to get the smell or stain of blood off her hands, she declares "What, will these hands ne'er be clean. . . All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand"
Interpretation
Lady Macbeth is finally full of guilt for the wrong her and her husband have done. The stain on her hand’s is like that of Cain’s given to him by God after killing his brother.
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