It will now look at the key scenes which show the changes in Macbeth’s relationship with Lady Macbeth.
After returning from victorious battle, he hears the witches’ prophecies. Now, in Macbeth’s wild imagination was the fact he could attain the greatest goal he has ever desired, to become king as well as Thane of Cawdor. When the witches’ prophecies begin to come true and he becomes Thane of Cawdor his passions grow stronger. Yet although his passion is strong he controls the desires and decides to take no risk in killing the king as he already has many privileges and there is no need to jeopardize those.
At the start of Act 1 Scene 5, Lady Macbeth is reading a letter from Macbeth outlining the witches' prophecies. In the letter Macbeth addresses Lady Macbeth as: “my dearest partner of greatness” (Line 9-10). This shows that he has the utmost respect for her. At this point, it is also known that Macbeth is ambitious as he “burned in desire to question them further.”(Line 3-4). The same can be said for Lady Macbeth which is evident in her soliloquy.
Lady Macbeth then receives great news that King Duncan will come to their castle tonight. After the attendant, she leaves plans to have the king killed: “The raven himself is hoarse/that croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan…” (Line 36-37). She then calls on evil spirits to help her deadly plans: “Come, you spirits/That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here/ Fill me from the crown to the toe top full/Of direst cruelty…”(Lines 38-41). This implies that she wants rid of her feminine, gentle feelings and those to be replaced with evil intentions.
Lady Macbeth treats Macbeth with a lot of prestige calling him Thane of Glamis and Cawdor and bringing up that he will become king. Another example of the love that Macbeth has for Lady Macbeth is illustrated in his reply: “My dearest love…” (Line 57).
Macbeth is not convinced by his wife’s words and he then seems to try to convince himself that the murder is an immoral thing to do and he begins to suggest reasons as for why he can’t kill the king. “First, as I am his kinsman and his subject/Strong both against the deed…”(Line 13-14).
When Lady Macbeth enters Macbeth decides that they will “proceed no further in this business”(Line 31).
In Act 3 Scene 2, a clear role reversal can be seen. Lady Macbeth is troubled, she feels neglected by Macbeth and thinks she deserves a more important role after ensuring Macbeth is crowned king. In Act 3 Scene 4, we see that although Lady Macbeth is not in control of Macbeth anymore she is still able to handle tense situations. There seems to be tension between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth which can be seen within the first few lines: “…our hostess keeps her state, but in best time we will/require her welcome.”(Line 5-6). Lady Macbeth replies: “Pronounce it for me, sir, to all our friends for my/heart speaks, they are welcome.”(Line 8). Although they are talking in front of the Lords there seems to be tension between the two of them which could be due to the distance in their relationship.
The news of Banquo’s death is reported to Macbeth but also the escape of Fleance, Banquo’s son. This makes Macbeth even more fearful: “Then comes my fit again…”(Line 21). Lady Macbeth suggests that he welcomes his guests but it is not a direct order. After conversing with the Lords he sees the Ghost of Banquo. He immediately panics revealing that fear and insecurity: “Thou canst say I did it; never shake/Thy gory lock at me!”(Line 50). Here we see the calmness of Lady Macbeth as she is quick to lie for Macbeth: “My lord is often thus/And hath been from youth.”(Line 53-54). Lady Macbeth again questions Macbeth’s manhood but this time, unlike at the start of the play, Macbeth is not going to be emotionally blackmailed. Lady Macbeth criticizes him once again for his public display of fear. She reminds him that this is the retribution for killing Duncan and Banquo. Such is Lady Macbeth’s calmness she is again able to help Macbeth regain his composure. As he returns to the table, the Ghost of Banquo returns.
Macbeth this time, uses violent language commanding the Ghost away. Lady Macbeth recognises that Macbeth is likely to reveal something and therefore she orders the Lords to leave. Lady Macbeth summarizes that the actions Macbeth has caused: “You have displac’d the mirth, broke the good meeting/With most admir’d disorder.”(Line 108-109).
