Lady Macbeth Characterization
Characterization of Lady Macbeth
In the tragedy “Macbeth” written by William Shakespeare in 1606, the female protagonist, Lady Macbeth, plays a crucial role and depicts a dynamic character changing dramatically over the course of the play.
Lady Macbeth is married to Macbeth, former Thane of Glamis, present Thane of Cawdor and predicted future King of Scotland. Both of them live in Dunsinane Castle, Inverness Castle in Scotland.
She is first introduced in Act I, Scene V when she reads Macbeth 's letter telling her about the witches ' prophecy of him becoming the King of Scotland (cf. 1.5 ll. 9-10). It is remarkable that Lady Macbeth does not show any sign of surprise concerning Macbeth meeting the witches. Instead, she immediately thinks of the crime that needs to be committed in order to fulfil the prophecy
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16) to carry out the inevitable murder. Therefore she needs to “pour [her] spirits in [Macbeth 's] ear” (1.5 l. 25).
Furthermore, Lady Macbeth finds out that Duncan, the current King of Scotland, will be staying at their home that same night. She recognizes the exceptional chance and wants to seize the opportunity. As she thinks that her husband is not strong enough to do so, she asks the “spirits” (1.5 l.39) to “unsex [her]” (1.5 l. 40). She seems to consider femininity to equate kindness and compassion. “And take my milk for gall” (1.5 l. 47), Lady Macbeth also renounces from her capacity to give birth to a child as being a mother makes a woman even more caring and compassionate. Interestingly, Lady Macbeth might have had a child even though it is not alive and the loss would have certainly influenced her perception of mother- and womanhood: “I have given such, and know/ How tender 'tis to love the babe that milks me” (1.7 ll. 54-55). In Act I, Scene VII, she admits that she would kill her own baby if necessary (cf. 1.7 ll. 55-58). To be able
Similarities Between Macbeth And A Long Way Gone
1572 Words | 7 PagesPrior to Duncan’s death, Lady Macbeth recognizes Macbeth’s inner turmoil and she takes matters into her own hands. Lady Macbeth advises him of her plan to kill Duncan and explains that she will conduct the evening's events. She states, “Look like the time. Bear welcome in your eye,/ Your hand, your tongue. / Look like th' innocent flower,/ But be the serpent under ’t. /He that’s coming / Must be provided for, and you shall put / This night’s great business into my dispatch, / Which shall to all our nights and days to come” (Shakespeare 1.5.55-61).
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