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27 May 2023
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Lady Macbeth Character Analysis PDF & Quotes: Gender Roles, Supernatural & Summary
Milly
@milly_jthj
Lady Macbeth's Evolution and Themes
This page delves deeper into Lady Macbeth's character development and the key themes associated with her role in the play. It explores how her actions and words contribute to the overall narrative and thematic structure of Macbeth.
Character Development
Lady Macbeth's character undergoes significant changes throughout the play:
- Initially portrayed as more ruthless than Macbeth
- Becomes the driving force in their relationship, fueling Macbeth's ambition
- Later experiences guilt and mental decline, leading to her tragic end
Highlight: The dismissal of Macbeth's visions by Lady Macbeth is ironic, as her own visions eventually lead to her suicide, showcasing the psychological toll of their actions.
Key Themes
Gender Roles and Expectations
Lady Macbeth's character is central to the play's exploration of gender roles:
- She challenges the societal expectations of women in her time
- Calls upon supernatural forces to "unsex" herself, rejecting traditional femininity
- Uses her femininity strategically, such as pretending to faint to deflect suspicion
Quote: "I have given suck, and know how tender 'tis to love the babe that milks me: I would, while it was smiling in my face, have pluck'd my nipple from his boneless gums, and dash'd the brains out, had I so sworn as you have done to this."
This graphic imagery of infanticide associated with witches demonstrates Lady Macbeth's willingness to sacrifice her femininity and maternal instincts for power.
Appearance vs. Reality
The theme of deception and the contrast between appearance and reality is prominent in Lady Macbeth's actions:
- She advises Macbeth to "look like th'innocent flower, but be the serpent under't"
- Her ability to switch between ruthless ambition and a facade of innocence highlights this theme
Example: Lady Macbeth's use of her femininity to appear weak and innocent after Duncan's murder illustrates the play's focus on deception and appearances.
The Supernatural
Lady Macbeth's invocation of supernatural forces plays a crucial role in the play:
- She calls upon spirits to remove her femininity and fill her with cruelty
- This use of the supernatural would have been particularly shocking to Shakespeare's contemporary audience
Vocabulary: Regicide - The act of killing a king, which Lady Macbeth believes only a man can commit, highlighting her complex relationship with gender and power.
Language and Structure
Shakespeare's use of language in Lady Macbeth's speeches is significant:
- She speaks in prose when reading Macbeth's letter and during her sleepwalking scene
- The lack of blank verse in these instances reflects her mental disorientation
Definition: Blank verse - Unrhymed iambic pentameter, the standard form of verse in Shakespeare's plays. Its absence in key Lady Macbeth scenes emphasizes her mental state.
This page provides a deeper analysis of Lady Macbeth's character across the play, examining her evolution, the themes she embodies, and Shakespeare's linguistic choices in portraying her complex personality.
Lady Macbeth's Character and Influence
Lady Macbeth emerges as a formidable force in Shakespeare's Macbeth, challenging societal norms and driving the plot forward through her ambition and manipulation. This page provides a deeper analysis of Lady Macbeth's character in the early acts of the play.
Defiance of Gender Roles
Lady Macbeth boldly defies the traditional gender roles of her time:
- She is portrayed as an equal partner to Macbeth, referred to as his "dearest partner of greatness."
- Unlike the expectations for wives to be obedient, Lady Macbeth takes a leading role in their relationship.
Quote: "unsex me here"
Lady Macbeth's famous plea to the spirits reveals her desire to shed her feminine qualities, which she perceives as weaknesses. This Lady Macbeth quote demonstrates her willingness to transcend gender boundaries to achieve her goals.
Supernatural Elements
Lady Macbeth's invocation of supernatural forces is a crucial aspect of her character:
- She calls upon dark spirits to remove her femininity and fill her with cruelty.
- This use of the supernatural would have been particularly shocking to Shakespeare's contemporary audience.
Highlight: Lady Macbeth's willingness to act "outside of nature" after hearing the prophecy showcases her determination and disregard for societal and moral boundaries.
Manipulation of Macbeth
Lady Macbeth's skillful manipulation of her husband is a key driver of the plot:
- She uses flattery, echoing the witches' words: "Great Glamis, worthy Cawdor"
- Lady Macbeth challenges Macbeth's masculinity to spur him to action.
Quote: "look like th'innocent flower, but be the serpent under't"
This famous line encapsulates Lady Macbeth's strategy of deception and manipulation, urging Macbeth to hide his true intentions behind a facade of innocence.
Ambition and Guilt
Lady Macbeth's character arc is defined by her initial ambition and subsequent guilt:
- She is the driving force behind the plan to kill King Duncan.
- After the murder, she initially shows no remorse, stating, "My hands are of your colour."
- However, her guilt eventually manifests in her sleepwalking and mental decline.
Example: Lady Macbeth's use of prose during her sleepwalking scene reflects her mental disorientation and the toll of her actions.
This page provides a foundation for understanding Lady Macbeth's complex character, setting the stage for her development throughout the play.
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4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Lady Macbeth Character Analysis PDF & Quotes: Gender Roles, Supernatural & Summary
Milly
@milly_jthj
Lady Macbeth is a complex and ambitious character who defies traditional gender roles and uses supernatural elements to achieve her goals. She manipulates her husband Macbeth and plays a crucial role in the plot to seize power through regicide.
Key... Show more
Lady Macbeth's Evolution and Themes
This page delves deeper into Lady Macbeth's character development and the key themes associated with her role in the play. It explores how her actions and words contribute to the overall narrative and thematic structure of Macbeth.
Character Development
Lady Macbeth's character undergoes significant changes throughout the play:
- Initially portrayed as more ruthless than Macbeth
- Becomes the driving force in their relationship, fueling Macbeth's ambition
- Later experiences guilt and mental decline, leading to her tragic end
Highlight: The dismissal of Macbeth's visions by Lady Macbeth is ironic, as her own visions eventually lead to her suicide, showcasing the psychological toll of their actions.
Key Themes
Gender Roles and Expectations
Lady Macbeth's character is central to the play's exploration of gender roles:
- She challenges the societal expectations of women in her time
- Calls upon supernatural forces to "unsex" herself, rejecting traditional femininity
- Uses her femininity strategically, such as pretending to faint to deflect suspicion
Quote: "I have given suck, and know how tender 'tis to love the babe that milks me: I would, while it was smiling in my face, have pluck'd my nipple from his boneless gums, and dash'd the brains out, had I so sworn as you have done to this."
This graphic imagery of infanticide associated with witches demonstrates Lady Macbeth's willingness to sacrifice her femininity and maternal instincts for power.
Appearance vs. Reality
The theme of deception and the contrast between appearance and reality is prominent in Lady Macbeth's actions:
- She advises Macbeth to "look like th'innocent flower, but be the serpent under't"
- Her ability to switch between ruthless ambition and a facade of innocence highlights this theme
Example: Lady Macbeth's use of her femininity to appear weak and innocent after Duncan's murder illustrates the play's focus on deception and appearances.
The Supernatural
Lady Macbeth's invocation of supernatural forces plays a crucial role in the play:
- She calls upon spirits to remove her femininity and fill her with cruelty
- This use of the supernatural would have been particularly shocking to Shakespeare's contemporary audience
Vocabulary: Regicide - The act of killing a king, which Lady Macbeth believes only a man can commit, highlighting her complex relationship with gender and power.
Language and Structure
Shakespeare's use of language in Lady Macbeth's speeches is significant:
- She speaks in prose when reading Macbeth's letter and during her sleepwalking scene
- The lack of blank verse in these instances reflects her mental disorientation
Definition: Blank verse - Unrhymed iambic pentameter, the standard form of verse in Shakespeare's plays. Its absence in key Lady Macbeth scenes emphasizes her mental state.
This page provides a deeper analysis of Lady Macbeth's character across the play, examining her evolution, the themes she embodies, and Shakespeare's linguistic choices in portraying her complex personality.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Lady Macbeth's Character and Influence
Lady Macbeth emerges as a formidable force in Shakespeare's Macbeth, challenging societal norms and driving the plot forward through her ambition and manipulation. This page provides a deeper analysis of Lady Macbeth's character in the early acts of the play.
Defiance of Gender Roles
Lady Macbeth boldly defies the traditional gender roles of her time:
- She is portrayed as an equal partner to Macbeth, referred to as his "dearest partner of greatness."
- Unlike the expectations for wives to be obedient, Lady Macbeth takes a leading role in their relationship.
Quote: "unsex me here"
Lady Macbeth's famous plea to the spirits reveals her desire to shed her feminine qualities, which she perceives as weaknesses. This Lady Macbeth quote demonstrates her willingness to transcend gender boundaries to achieve her goals.
Supernatural Elements
Lady Macbeth's invocation of supernatural forces is a crucial aspect of her character:
- She calls upon dark spirits to remove her femininity and fill her with cruelty.
- This use of the supernatural would have been particularly shocking to Shakespeare's contemporary audience.
Highlight: Lady Macbeth's willingness to act "outside of nature" after hearing the prophecy showcases her determination and disregard for societal and moral boundaries.
Manipulation of Macbeth
Lady Macbeth's skillful manipulation of her husband is a key driver of the plot:
- She uses flattery, echoing the witches' words: "Great Glamis, worthy Cawdor"
- Lady Macbeth challenges Macbeth's masculinity to spur him to action.
Quote: "look like th'innocent flower, but be the serpent under't"
This famous line encapsulates Lady Macbeth's strategy of deception and manipulation, urging Macbeth to hide his true intentions behind a facade of innocence.
Ambition and Guilt
Lady Macbeth's character arc is defined by her initial ambition and subsequent guilt:
- She is the driving force behind the plan to kill King Duncan.
- After the murder, she initially shows no remorse, stating, "My hands are of your colour."
- However, her guilt eventually manifests in her sleepwalking and mental decline.
Example: Lady Macbeth's use of prose during her sleepwalking scene reflects her mental disorientation and the toll of her actions.
This page provides a foundation for understanding Lady Macbeth's complex character, setting the stage for her development throughout the play.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user