Lady Macbeth

Definition

Lady Macbeth is a pivotal character in Shakespeare's tragedy 'Macbeth,' known for her ambition, manipulation, and ultimate descent into madness. She plays a crucial role in prompting her husband to commit regicide, thus setting off a chain of events that lead to their downfall and the unraveling of their moral integrity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lady Macbeth famously invokes dark spirits in Act 1, Scene 5, asking to be unsexed and filled with cruelty to carry out her ambitions.
2. Her manipulation of Macbeth is evident when she questions his masculinity and courage, pushing him toward murder.
3. After King Duncan's murder, Lady Macbeth initially appears strong but later succumbs to guilt, leading to her mental decline.
4. The famous sleepwalking scene in Act 5 symbolizes her deep-seated guilt and the psychological consequences of her actions.
5. Lady Macbeth's character challenges traditional gender roles of the time, as she exhibits traits typically associated with masculinity such as ambition and ruthlessness.

Review Questions

• How does Lady Macbeth's ambition influence the actions of her husband, Macbeth?
  • Lady Macbeth's ambition serves as a catalyst for Macbeth's actions throughout the play. Her desire for power drives her to manipulate Macbeth into murdering King Duncan, questioning his masculinity when he hesitates. This manipulation reveals how her ambition not only affects her moral compass but also ignites Macbeth's own ambition, leading to their eventual tragic downfall.
• In what ways does Lady Macbeth's character evolve throughout the play, particularly in relation to guilt and madness?
  • Lady Macbeth starts as a figure of strength and determination, willing to cast aside her femininity for power. However, as the consequences of their actions unfold, she becomes increasingly tormented by guilt. Her descent into madness is marked by her sleepwalking scene, where she obsessively tries to wash away imagined bloodstains, illustrating how her initial ruthlessness ultimately leads to her psychological disintegration.
• Evaluate the significance of Lady Macbeth's role in shaping the themes of ambition and guilt within the play.
  • Lady Macbeth is central to the exploration of ambition and guilt in 'Macbeth.' Her initial ruthless pursuit of power embodies unchecked ambition, setting a precedent for both herself and Macbeth. However, as the play progresses, her overwhelming guilt reveals the destructive consequences of that ambition. This duality highlights how the pursuit of power can corrupt individuals and lead to moral decay, making Lady Macbeth a key figure in understanding these overarching themes.

Related terms

Ambition: A strong desire to achieve something, often requiring determination and hard work, which Lady Macbeth exhibits throughout the play.

Guilt: A feeling of remorse or responsibility for wrongdoing, which heavily affects Lady Macbeth after the murder of King Duncan.

Tragic Flaw: A character trait that leads to the downfall of a protagonist; in Lady Macbeth's case, her ambition and desire for power are central to her tragic flaw.