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Analysis Of William Shakespeare 's ' Macbeth '

Decent Essays

Malavika Madan
English 10
May 12, 2016
Macbeth Essay
Macbeth, by William Shakespeare is a tragedy that happens

At the very beginning of the play, Lady Macbeth is provoked by the letter she receives by Macbeth and starts plotting the murder of Duncan. She also wishes she were a man such that she could commit the murder all by herself saying so in Act 1 Scene 5, “Come, you spirits That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here, And fill me from the crown to the toe top-full Of direst cruelty” (Macbeth 1.5.36-52). She appeals to these spirits to remove all aspects of her femininity and seeks to gain power through the prophecy of the witches. Her fear about the ability of her husband to commit the murder is subdued in her designated gender. Lady Macbeth manages her feminine power through her sensuality and pretended weakness through her fainting streak at the notice of Duncan’s death. Manipulation, usually through sexuality is often depicted as the source of women’s power still Lady Macbeth uses this power of hers to commit murder, a masculine demonstration of power. Lady Macbeth in her soliloquy about the planning of Duncan’s death refers to her husband as an individual who plays honestly and does not engage in wrongdoing.
“What thou wouldst highly That wouldst thou holily; wouldst not play false, And yet wouldst wrongly win.” Lady Macbeth’s role shows the audience a reflection of Macbeth’s attitude and character, especially that he was honest and loyal towards his kingdom.

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