(Act 1 Scn 5), Lady Macbeth first appears on stage, reading a letter, this shows she is well educated, educated enough to know the difference between right and wrong. This is highly unusual because many women in the 17th century weren’t educated; they had no time as they were at the centre of the domestic sphere. In the letter it informs Lady Macbeth of her most desired target, the third, ‘all hail, Macbeth! That shalt be King hereafter.’ Lady Macbeth immediately acknowledges Macbeth’s loyal and noble manner, will not allow him to do what is necessary, (Ln 15 Act 1 Scn 5): ‘yet do I here thy nature, it is too full o’ the milk of human kindness to catch the nearest way’ she feels he needs to be more corrupt and more willing to do evil. (Ln 25 Act 1 Scn 5), ‘ that I may pour my spirits in thine ear.’ Lady Macbeth is vowing her interference in the situation at hand, promising that she will take control to make her dreams come true. This shows her lack of sympathy for human life, as she will do anything to achieve her purpose. This is strange for a woman to have this much ambition and drive, as many women in the 17th century did not. Many perceptions in this era of women were to please their husbands by any means. Women were feared and not listened to because witches were women and known to manipulate men, this is biblically related as Eve persuades Adam to eat the forbidden fruit. Therefore women were portrayed as untrustworthy and treacherous.
Lady Macbeth immediately decides she will persuade Macbeth to kill King Duncan after she finds out the King will be staying at their castle. This is also very shocking and surprising for a woman to be so decisive as women were believed not to be so forthcoming.
(Ln 40 Scn 5 Act 1), ‘unsex me here’ lady Macbeth is asking for the ability to behave like a strong man by removing her feminine qualities and conscience. This is also prejudice towards the male species because Shakespeare is saying that to be a man you must not have any signs of compassion and remorse. Some people also claim that lady Macbeth is saying make me like a witch because witches themselves are androgynous, evidence of this is in (Act 1 Scn 5 Ln 45-47), ‘… you should be women, and yet your beards forbid me to interpret that you are so,’ said by Macbeth. Therefore Macbeth is not sure whether the witches are female or male hence they are genderless also in the opening sequences the true nature of the witches were not clear. So for lady Macbeth to become a witch she must remove her womanly virtues to be portrayed as an androgynous. Her ambition to become queen is beyond sane. Lady Macbeth wants to become the link between the witches prophesy and the present its like Macbeth has been spoon-fed and lady Macbeth is the one convincing him to chew. Meanwhile lady Macbeth is transfixed in a spiritual ceremony where she is becoming a witch, while saying her last words as truly a woman. This appears to the audience she is casting a spell which is further evidence she is the fourth witch. Additional evidence is (Act 1 Scn?Ln 64-65) ‘look like the innocent flower but be the serpent under it.’ This being another reference to Eve, A biblical image-meaning hide your true nature with an above suspicion facade but under be the creature that attacks when the prey is astray.
In Act 3 Scn 4, Macbeth finally commits the atrocity King Duncan is dead. Macbeth is crowned king of Scotland. Soon after Macbeth goes crazy with guilt and self-loath for betraying a King full of kindness and love for his people. Many people argue that God has punished Macbeth for going against the king with insanity. However lady Macbeth is enjoying all the luxuries of royalty. Many people argue that lady Macbeth is so evil she is a walking devil, on the other hand Macbeth’s situation is different his judgement had been clouded by his evil ambition to be king.
‘What! Quite un-? In folly.’ Lady Macbeth accuses him of his stupidity that he is forgetful of his masculinity. She cunningly uses the perceptions of man and women in the 17th century to insult Macbeth and snap him out of illusions. Lady Macbeth manipulative skills are used against Macbeth as tool to control him into doing evil deeds, as she has no empathy or compassion this adds to create such a cruel character.
Conversely, her immorality and malice vanish and leave her mentally unstable. Yet the audience have no sympathy. Throughout the tragic play Lady Macbeth has been despised, this is seen as typical as wherever there is a hero there is a villain, however for the two characters to be accomplices in the great conspiracy of the king is abnormal.
Lady Macbeth’s mental illness has been long waited by the audience as the awaited her to receive her sentence for the heinous crime, like the habitual saying, ‘what goes up must come down,’ this can be related to the rapid emotional destruction of lady Macbeth.
On the other hand the audience immediately favour Macbeth, as he is the mighty triumphant hero in the opening scenes. Success in the Scottish battle is greatly respected. However the audiences have overlooked his misguided decisions, as that mighty warrior is still conscience in their minds. Then when Macbeth is left defending the castle he shows loyal and courageous characteristics, when he tragically dies in the eyes of the audience he dies as a hero, however the tragic suicidal death of lady Macbeth goes without empathy.
