How does Shakespeare use the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth to emphasise Macbeths emotional conflict in Acts 1-3?

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How does Shakespeare use the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth to emphasise Macbeth’s emotional conflict in Acts 1-3?

Shakespeare uses the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth to emphasise Macbeth’s emotional conflict throughout Acts 1-3.  Macbeth starts the play on a high as a noble hero having recently emerged from battle victorious; these positive feelings are replicated in his relationship with Lady Macbeth.  He loves and adores her and calls affectionate names, such as ‘dearest chuck’.  In act 2 they kill Duncan, something that they had hoped would not only bring them power but closer together.  However it is the trigger event that leads to everything spiralling out of control, and by the end of act 3, Macbeth is in a state of emotional turmoil, which is reflected in his deteriorating relationship with his wife.  Indeed they are never on stage together again.

At the beginning of the play Macbeth trusts Lady Macbeth entirely.  He confides in her with everything, indeed he considers her his ‘dearest partner of greatness’ and tells her so.  Whilst he talks to her, Lady Macbeth often interjects and alters his ideas; she has the vast majority of the lines and controls their scenes.  Macbeth’s relationship with Lady Macbeth is very close; she understands Macbeth’s strengths and weaknesses but this make it easy for her to manipulate him.  Throughout the play Macbeth’s emotions sway between good and bad thoughts.  Shakespeare uses Lady Macbeth to challenge Macbeth’s thoughts and show his emotional roller coaster; she reveals his darker emotions.

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The relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth is dominated and manipulated by Lady Macbeth.  She controls Macbeth’s emotions e.g. when trying to persuade him to kill Duncan she accuses him of being a ‘coward,’ asking ‘art thou afeard’.  This shows that to be a bold and fearless warrior is important for Macbeth; he does not want to be seen as a coward, and calling him such clearly affected and offended him (and interestingly, he taunts Banquo’s murderers with similar jibes of being cowardly).  Shakespeare uses this to show how easily Macbeth bends to the will of others; he not only ...

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