Macbeth’s theme is heavily influenced by the relationship of Macbeth with his wife. At first glance, it seems like a partnership of equals. But Lady Macbeth dominates the other character. She could persuade Macbeth into doing anything she wanted. Though she never shows her power to Macbeth publicly or privately, it is clear that she has it. She uses emotional manipulation and dishonor to influence Macbeth into executing her will. This makes Lady Macbeth a more sinister character than Macbeth.

Lady Macbeth takes matters in her own hands when she is worried that Macbeth’s kindness will prevent him from becoming king. In her soliloquy Lady Macbeth states, “Come spirits that / service the thoughts of mortals. Rid me of the natural / gentleness of my sex. Fill me from head-to-toe with direst/cruel cruelty”. Lady Macbeth’s ambition is much greater than Macbeth’s. She was mentally strong and seemed unaffected by the crimes she committed. Macbeth remains focused because of her ambition. Macbeth’s ambition is only revealed later in the play, when he decides to kill Macduff and his family.

Throughout the whole play, Lady Macbeth has shown little sympathy towards the characters. She immediately devises a plan when she learns of the prophecies that the witches have given Macbeth. She plans out how to kill the King. When Macbeth can’t return the daggers back to Duncan, Lady Macbeth takes charge and returns the blades herself. Give me those daggers. Lady Macbeth has a crucial role to play in the murdering Banquo. Macbeth’s unease is heightened when Banquo appears during a feast. Lady Macbeth tells her friends to “Sit”, and that’s all she says. Since his youth, my lord has acted in this way. Lady Macbeth does not care about this and ridicules Macbeth immediately. She made Macbeth suffer so much that no one could forgive her.

Blood, violence and death are images that reflect her true character. Macbeth begins as a character that is admirable and heroic for Scotland. He admits that his true character is revealed when he says, “path had been so bloody. Stopping now and/going back would not be easier than going forward”. Lady Macbeth initiated the events that led Macbeth to commit the murders. Macbeth is reminded constantly of his insecurity by the reader, who questions every action he takes. Lady Macbeth has the role of giving Macbeth the self-confidence to take on the world. Lady Macbeth has a few tricks to get Macbeth into action. Lady Macbeth has characteristics of men, namely her cruelty. Lady Macbeth mocks Macbeth by joking that she has suckled a baby. I know what it’s like to hold a child close. If I had sworn, just as you did, to dash its brains while it was smiling at my face, I could have / removed its nipple.

Lady Macbeth appears as the evilest character throughout Macbeth. Macbeth’s wife is more evil than he is. Lady Macbeth has a great deal of influence over her husband, and is able to overcome his objections. By the end of her performance, she has been reduced to sleeping through the castle. As the guilt hits home, Lady Macbeth becomes insensitive and unable to cope with her own crimes.

elliotjones

Elliot Jones is a 29-year-old middle school teacher and blogger. He has been writing since he was a teenager, and his writings have been featured on various websites and in magazines. He enjoys writing about education, parenting, and lifestyle topics.