Essay on Macbeth and its Unbelievable Lady :: GCSE Coursework Macbeth Essays

Macbeth and its Unbelievable Lady In William Shakespeares tragedy Macbeth which character is more imaginatively created than that of Lady Macbeth? Can a lady actu ally think in this manner without being called insane. We examine the various dimensions of her character in this paper. L.C. Knights in the essay Macbeth describes the unnaturalness of Lady Macbeths words and actions then the sense of the unnaturalness of evil is evoked not only be repeated explicit references (natures mischief, nature seems dead, Tis unnatural, even like the deed thats done, and so on) but by the expression of unnatural sentiments and an unnatural violence of tone in such things as Lady Macbeths invocation of the spirits who will unsex her, and her affirmation that she would performance the babe at her breast if she had sworn to do it. (95) Samuel Johnson in The Plays of Shakespeare underscores how ambition by the protagonists leads to detestation on the part of the readers The danger of ambition is well describe and I know not whether it may not be said in defence of some parts which now seem improbable, that, in Shakespeares time, it was infallible to warn credulity against vain and illusive predictions. The passions are directed to their true end. Lady Macbeth is merely detested and though the courage of Macbeth preserves some esteem, to that degree every reader rejoices at his fall. (133) In Memoranda Remarks on the Character of Lady Macbeth, Sarah Siddons comments on the Ladys cold manner Macbeth announces the Kings approach and she, insensible it should seem to all the perils which he has encountered in battle, and to all the happiness of his safe return to her, -- for not one kind word of greeting or congratulations does she offer, -- is so only when swallowed up by the horrible design, which has probably been suggested to her by his letters, as to have forgotten both the one and the other. (56) In his book, On the Design of Shakespearean Tragedy, H. S. Wilson describes the division of Lady Macbeth Professor Kittredge used to point out to his classes that Lady Macbeth, in urging Macbeth to act, uses the three arguments that every wife, some time or other, uses to every husband You promised me youd do it Youd do it if you loved me If I were a man, Id do it myself But Macbeths mind is made up by her assurance that they may do it safely by fixing the guilt upon Duncans chamberlains.