How does Shakespeare present the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth?

Introduction: How is the Relationship of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth Portrayed?

The relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth is a key dramatic construct around which the action of the play revolves. Macbeth and his wife have a tempestuous relationship which rises and falls as Macbeth’s power slowly increases and he realises his ambition to be King.

Who is Macbeth? Understanding Macbeth’s Character

Macbeth is the protagonist of Shakespeare’s 1606 play. He is thwarted by his own ambition, and moves from a careless warrior who defends his King in battle to someone who decides it is better to kill that very same King in order to take the crown. Spurred on by his belief in the supernatural and the prophecy to three witches, Macbeth’s downfall is in his inability to distance himself from what he believes to be his fate and divine right.

Who is Lady Macbeth? Delving into Lady Macbeth’s Role

While sometimes seen as a feminist icon, Lady Macbeth is actually a deeply troubled character herself. Whilst she manipulates her husband into murdering the King, she is unable to continue her descent into evil and slowly goes mad, taking her own life rather than facing the consequences of her actions. Lady Macbeth would have been played by a man on stage in Shakespeare’s own time, as women and girls were not allowed on stage in a patriarchal society where women’s rights had been eroded and men believed they could effectively portray a woman more accurately than she could do herself.

GCSE: Exploring Themes for GCSE Analysis

Whilst there is the potential for examining gender dynamics, this really only works as an analysis of a play performed in the modern era with a woman playing Lady Macbeth. If we are looking at the play as a text only, we can see themes of power, transformation, ambition and illness playing their part in the complex relationship between these two characters. The key scenes between the two are a hive of power play and complex imagery, bearing fruit in terms of dramatic tension, uncertainty and foreshadowing.

How to Get a Grade 9: Achieving Top Marks in GCSE Analysis

TThe tragedy of Macbeth is a simple story but one which benefits from close understanding of the context in which it was both written and performed. Macbeth is a play which needs careful analysis. It is also important to understand the Assessment Objectives (AOs) for your specific exam board. Some require more emphasis on close analysis of language and structure, and some on contextual information such as the Divine Right of Kings. Ensure you are tailoring your answer towards the published mark schemes when practising for your exams.

What is the impact of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s relationship?

The relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth ultimately decides the fate of both the characters. Macbeth’s ambition and belief in the power of the supernatural could be seen to result in his downfall, whereas Lady Macbeth’s inability to cope with the repercussions of her own murderous plan means she ends her life prematurely. Both characters are trapped in a cycle of destruction by the time we reach the middle of the play, leading to dramatic scenes and entertaining endings in this classic Shakespearean masterpiece.

Resources for Further Reading:

Website

1. Macbeth

Book

1. Cambridge School Shakespeare by William Shakespeare

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