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The Portrayal of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth's Relationship in Shakespeare's Macbeth

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Lady Macbeth is presented throughout the play as a character of domineering presence, troubled by the struggles she faces to fulfil her ambitions and those of her husband 's. Her first appearance on stage occurs in the aftermath of the audience witnessing the Witches’ Prophecies, as well as seeing battles being won by Macbeth. Lady Macbeth is portrayed throughout the first Act as a woman with authority over her husband. Yet, as she becomes neglected by Macbeth, Shakespeare uses various techniques to portray this withering of her prowess.

Upon reading her husband 's letter, Lady Macbeth 's reaction is notable. She is adamant to make Macbeth king. Within the letter, Macbeth described Lady Macbeth as "My dearest partner of greatness", …show more content…

They delve into the context of how they will commit the act. Following Macbeth 's soliloquy and his partner 's abrupt re-entrance, Macbeth begins to feel apprehensive about the entire plan. He completely changes his mind, as he claims "We will proceed no further in this business, He (Duncan) hath honored me of late, and I have bought Golden opinions from all sorts of people, Which would be worn now in their newest gloss. Not cast aside so soon". This implies that he wants to relish the opportunity to enjoy being respected by the King, and therefore would like to cherish the moment rather than killing Duncan.

But Lady Macbeth uses different methods to persuade Macbeth to change his mind. She claims it was his idea first, lambasting him "Was the hope drunk, Wherein you dressed yourself, Hath it slept since?". What she is questioning is whether Macbeth can put his own ambitions into practice. Notice that the word “hope” signifies a clash of two metaphors - on one hand being a person and on the other referring to “clothing” that Macbeth wants to be in its “newest gloss”.

Then she attacks Macbeth 's manhood by calling him a coward, performing a tirade of rhetorical questions such as “Art thou afeard, To be the same in thine own act and valor, As thou art in desire?". This takes note of how she thinks Macbeth 's bravery is not enough to fulfil his ambitions.

Furthermore, she uses emotive language to the extent that she

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