Examine Shakespeare's Presentation of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in Act 3 Scene 2.

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Examine Shakespeare’s Presentation of Macbeth and

Lady Macbeth in Act 3 Scene 2

 

        The scene commences with a question conveying Lady Macbeth’s increasing anxiety and doubts over their ambitious attempts to become King and Queen of Scotland, and then saying “Nought’s had, all’s spent / Where our desire is got without content.” These lines from Lady Macbeth have the effect of portraying how Macbeth is concerned that despite their treacherous thoughts and actions, they remain discontented and unhappy. However, the entrance of Macbeth triggers a complete reversal in thought for Lady Macbeth, telling Macbeth “Things without all remedy / Should be without regard.” This contrast between Lady Macbeth’s thoughts alone compared to the ideas expressed in the presence of Macbeth show how Lady Macbeth is unwilling to reveal the full truth to Macbeth, as it would reduce Lady Macbeth’s dominance over her husband if she were proven to be wrong in persuading Macbeth to commit the murder of King Duncan. This deceit used by Lady Macbeth is further evidence of the recurring “Fair is Foul and Foul is Fair” theme due to Lady Macbeth telling Macbeth how what’s done is done, contrary to her own views and beliefs.         Despite Lady Macbeth’s assurance, Macbeth remains unconvinced, and comments how they have only partly completed their aim, saying, “We have scorch’d the snake, not kill’d it.” This is a further reference to animals and nature in the play and portrays the decline of humanity, with both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth being drawn into their animal instincts of murder and survival. Lady Macbeth's dominance over Macbeth is asserted once more when Lady Macbeth orders the servant, “Say to the King, I would attend his leisure / For a few words.” This demonstrates that although Macbeth tries to appear brave and courageous he still succumbs to the dominance of his wife and is almost unable to disobey her. Lady Macbeth and Macbeth possess a strong relationship, as particularly early in the play, both characters depend on each other, Macbeth has the status in Scottish royalty, whereas Lady Macbeth is the ambition and driving force behind Macbeth compelling him to go against his will and murder the loyal King Duncan. Macbeth allows himself to be governed by his wife as unaware to Macbeth, Lady Macbeth understands the weaknesses of her husband and is able to manipulate his behaviour by attacking his masculinity and courage.

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As the scene progresses the Queen of Scotland continues to try and convince Macbeth by assuring him that Banquo and Fleance are not immortal; “But in them nature’s copy’s not eterne.” This is in contrast to the Witches’ prophecies that Banquo’s sons shall be Kings, a prophecy that has plagued Macbeth, initiating him to attempt the ambitious murders of Banquo and his son Fleance; although Macbeth was unable to murder Fleance causing him great distress. Macbeth tells of his turmoil to Lady Macbeth, saying how is mind is “full of scorpions.” This powerful imagery portrays Macbeth’s mind as stinging, filled ...

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