Lady Macbeth in Shakespeare's Macbeth Act 1, Scene 5 + 7

Lady Macbeth's Character in Macbeth

• Lady Macbeth is a powerful and ambitious character in Shakespeare's play, Macbeth.
• She manipulates Macbeth into killing King Duncan to seize the throne.
• Initially presented as a strong, determined woman, her character unravels as the play progresses.
• She eventually succumbs to guilt and dies off-stage.

Lady Macbeth's Soliloquy (Act 1, Scene 5)

• In her soliloquy, Lady Macbeth expresses a desire to become more masculine and ruthless.
• She uses the phrase “Come, you spirits, that tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here”
• The phrase demonstrates Lady Macbeth's ambition and willingness to violate traditional gender roles.
• 'Come' immediately shows her assertive nature, linking her ambition directly with supernatural forces.
• She asks to be "unsexed," suggesting a rejection of typical feminine traits (compassion, gentleness) and embrace of ruthless masculine qualities, which she perceives as a strength.
• In the Jacobean era, this was highly unusual and potentially shocking to Elizabethan audiences accustomed to patriarchal gender roles.
• In the 1600s, addressing supernatural beings was associated with the devil. Her desire to get rid of her femininity represents a challenge to the traditional Jacobean view where men were viewed as stronger.
• She directly links herself to the supernatural, which highlights her willingness to go to extreme lengths to achieve her goals.

Lady Macbeth's Manipulation and Power (Act 1, Scene 5 & 7)

• Lady Macbeth consistently maintains a strong influence over Macbeth throughout the play.
• She uses manipulative tactics, including mockery and condescension, to weaken Macbeth's resolve by appealing to his perceived weakness.
• Example: Calling Macbeth's lack of courage "green and pale" to shame him.
• She constantly questions Macbeth's masculinity, forcing him emotionally to embrace regicide, making him think that murder is the primary way to validate his masculinity and power.
• Example: "When you durst do it you were a man?"
• Lady Macbeth's manipulation challenges typical Jacobean gender roles, portraying her as dominant instead of submissive.
• Lady Macbeth uses imagery of the serpent from the Garden of Eden.
• This allusion links her ambition to a biblical temptation; it highlights ambition and the violation of God's natural order.

Appearance vs. Reality

• Lady Macbeth's character embodies the play's theme of appearance versus reality.
• "Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under't" demonstrates this duality.
• External facade of innocence disguises inner corruption and manipulation, a significant theme in the play.

Jacobean Era Context

• In the Jacobean era, the king held immense power and respect, embodying divine authority.
• The act of regicide (killing the king) was considered a grave violation, challenging the natural order as set up by God.
• Shakespeare highlights the consequences of defying the natural order on both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.

Explore the complex character of Lady Macbeth in Shakespeare's play, Macbeth. This quiz examines her ambition, manipulation of Macbeth, and her transformation throughout the play. Delve into her powerful soliloquy and how it reflects her rejection of traditional gender roles.