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Lady Macbeth (Cruel and ruthless (Influences Macbeth (mostly at start of…
Lady Macbeth
Cruel and ruthless
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Changes over course of play. Beginning - dominant + confident (persuades Macbeth that killing King Duncan is best thing to do).
After murder, she is slowly driven mad by guilt. Macbeth distances himself from her + kills herself because she can't live with what they've done.
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Cunning: "look like th'innocent flower, But be the serpent under't"
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Clever and quick witted
Comes up with the cunning plot (drug servants + frame them for murder) - clever as well as cruel + heart-less.
When murder is discovered, she faints - could be pretense, cleverly drawing attention away unconvincing speech Macbeth is making. Also covers up Macbeth's strange behavior (thinks he sees Banquo's ghost at feast). She's the one in control of situations.
Only pretends to faint - taking advantage of way women were viewed. Using stereotype of weak woman overcome by shock to hide reality of her true nature.
Ambitious
When she receives Macbeth's letter - immediately assumes they need to murder Duncan - more ruthless than Macbeth
Theme: Good & Evil: Macbeth is "too full o'th'milk of human kindness" - thinks his goodness makes him a coward + stops him form achieving his ambitions.
She thinks no ordinary women would plan this murder - appeals to spirit world to "unsex" her and fill her with the "direst cruelty".
Knows Macbeth's weak spots - uses HIS ambition and fear (seen as a coward) to manipulate him into killing Duncan.
Technique of symbolism: Links masculinity to strength + violence but Shakespeare shows women can be ruthless and cold-hearted too.
marriage is intense
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As play develops, she dominates Macbeth - manipulates him to murder + covers up strange behavior (Banquo's ghost).
Macbeth reveals less about plans to her - she becomes increasingly anxious + alone. Domineering at start but she can't cop without Macbeth.
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