Macbeth Issues

A detailed Summary of Macbeth Issues

In Shakespeare's Macbeth, there are many issues that may have had an affect on the play. The complex marriage between the power hungry Macbeths, lady Macbeth's dominant character directing Macbeth in the murders, the role reversal during the murders, Macbeth's reaction to his wife's death, and male and female marriages for authority. When analyzed these issues help describe the Macbeth's relationship. They are the very issues that eventually lead to the "Great Tragedy".

The relationship of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth is a complex one. Macbeth in the beginning does not come across to us as dominant. He more so looks to Lady Macbeth for comfort, assurance, and direction."... Go get some water And wash your hand. Why did you bring these daggers from the palace? They must lie there. Go, carry them and smear The sleepy grooms with blood." (Act II, Scene 2) Here Lady Macbeth directs Macbeth what to do after the murder of Duncan.

Lady Macbeth takes control of their situation. "Lady Macbeth brought a directness, a practicality, an inability to see difficulties in a good cause". Says Barbara Everette in "Macbeth As A Married Couple". This shows how much Lady Macbeth's views were a major part in their relationship. Bo

Shakespeare shows that male and female relationships during this time were based on status or positions of authority. For example, Queen Elizabeth I (1558-1603), who some critics claim Shakespeare alluded to with Macbeth, chose not to marry for many years, because she wanted to remain solely in power. In contrast to her cousin Mary, Queen of Scots, married for the political reason of uniting France and Scotland. Similarly, the Macbeths' relationship was based on his rise to power. Although they loved each other, their love was corrupted by the struggle for ambition.

th Lady Macbeth and Macbeth corrupted their relationship with their struggle for power. They both felt the need for authority, which as a result lead to their downfall.

In the beginning of the play Lady Macbeth comes across to us as evil-willed and ready to do any and everything to help her husband gain his power. She directs him in what to do. She plans the murders as well as keeps everything in order when people become curious. "O, never shall sun that morrow see... Look like the time; bear welcome in your eye... Look like th'innocent flower But be the serpent under't..." (Act 1, Scene 5) Lady Macbeth provides the assurance for Macbeth by telling him what and how to act. She also builds up his character by telling him that he will be a "greater man" if he were to go ahead with the murders.

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Approximate Word count = 934
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English