Here's how the phrase relates to the play:
* Macbeth's Actions: Macbeth's ambition leads him to murder King Duncan, a heinous act that stains his hands with blood. This physical stain represents the moral stain of his crime.
* Guilt and Torment: Macbeth's guilt manifests in various ways, including hallucinations, paranoia, and sleepwalking. He is plagued by visions of blood and cannot wash his hands clean, symbolizing the enduring nature of his sin.
* Thematic Connection: The phrase "unclean hands" speaks to the idea that one's actions have consequences, and that even after a physical act is completed, the psychological impact can linger. Macbeth's "unclean hands" become a symbol of the burden he carries for his sins.
While "unclean hands" may not be a direct quote, it accurately reflects the play's exploration of themes like guilt, remorse, and the corrupting nature of ambition.