Depict the character of Lady Macbeth

Answer

What role does Lady Macbeth play in guiding the action of the play “Macbeth’? 

Or, Depict the character of Lady Macbeth.

Or, How far is Lady Macbeth responsible for the tragedy of Macbeth?

Lady Macbeth is one of the most important characters in Shakespeare’s (1564-1616) play “Macbeth”. She is Macbeth’s wife and plays a key role in the story. Her character is bold, ambitious, and full of dark thoughts. She is also one of the main reasons for Macbeth’s downfall. In this answer, we will discuss important points to understand her role, character, and responsibility in the tragedy. 

Lady Macbeth’s Ambition and Influence: At the beginning of the play, it is clear that Lady Macbeth is more ambitious than her husband. When she hears about the witches’ prophecy, she immediately wants Macbeth to become king. But she knows that Macbeth is too kind to do what is needed. So, she decides to guide and force him to take the crown. She urges they have to act strong, like a man.  She says:

“When you durst do it, then you were a man.”

Moreover, Lady Macbeth calls on evil spirits to“unsex” her and fill her with cruelty. She wants to remove all her soft feelings so she can help Macbeth kill King Duncan. Besides, her famous line, “Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under’t,” shows her manipulative nature. It teaches Macbeth to hide his evil intentions.

Pushing Macbeth to Murder Duncan: When Macbeth hesitates about killing Duncan, Lady Macbeth becomes angry. She calls him a coward and questions his manhood. She says,

“But screw your courage to the sticking-place, and we’ll not fail.”

Through these words, she uses emotional pressure to change Macbeth’s mind. Without her pushing him, Macbeth might not have killed the king. So, she plays a big part in starting Macbeth’s journey toward evil and murder.

Change in Lady Macbeth after the Murder: After Duncan is killed, Lady Macbeth starts to