Question

Write a short essay exploring the character of Lady Macbeth and the influence she seems to have on her husband. Focus especially on her remarks in The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act I, Scenes v and vii and the attitudes and personality traits that those remarks reveal. Also consider what Macbeth says to her in his next-to-last speech in Scene vii.

Answer 1

The introduction of the Lady Macbeth in the play “Macbeth” highlights her ambitious nature that she possesses for her husband to achieve. Her actions reveal much about her steps and plans which she has pre-planned. She had the finest quality of being manipulative and influencing. In Act I Scene V she helps to plan the murder of King Dunken and motivat his husband to commit the dead. To give encouragement to Macbeth she herself went to kill King Dunken. Though she was unable to kill him as she found her father's image in sleeping Dunken. She also gave her full support to her husband in attaining the position. in Act I Scene VII when Macbeth wants to step backward from the idea of killing Dunken, she gives argument which helps him gain support in killing him. In the play she has been regarded as the “fourth witch.” the three witches' prophecies and the plans and encouragement of Lady Macbeth made Macbeth move forward with his wicked plans. At the end of the play, it is seen that she become mentally ill. Since she too played an important role in the murders, she became weak and intolerant of her own ills. She died of this illness for which she herself was the one responsible.