How Shakespeare shapes audiences(TM) responses to Lady Macbeth Essay

Analyse how Shakespeare shapes audiences’ responses to Lady Macbeth during the play through the language of the play. Shakespeare’s play ‘Macbeth’ is arguably one of the most powerful scripts written. Using such a vast variety of techniques enabled Shakespeare to allow characters to be portrayed and interpreted in different ways, varying from one scene to another. The key character displayed in the play is prominently Lady Macbeth. It could be debated to whether she applies to the traditional Elizabethan women or if she stood her ground and changed the world’s perception of equality. The audience could be thrown either way, is Lady Macbeth weak or strong? Macbeth is not only a play that is internationally recognised as one of Shakespeare’s most influential works but reveals an enormity of historical and cultural context. The role of Elizabethan women in society, in which Lady Macbeth was traditionally obliged to do is an aspect that if put in place in the 21st century would result in catastrophic uproar. Yet, was perfectly acceptable in the Elizabethan times, when Macbeth was set. Women were to be raised to own the knowledge that they were inferior to men; even the church believed this and it was quoted in the bible. They were completely controlled by the dominant male of the household, whether it is her father, brother or even her son. The divine right of kings reveals a connection later in the play, as one would believe God would not accept Macbeth as a King, as he does not agree with murder, revealing Macbeth as an obvious hypocrite of this law in the 1600s.According to these laws, God chose who was to reign as King. It was not simply just to be fought over for popularities and ego’s sake that appears strongly in the script. Lady Macbeth’s first appearance within the play is in Act one Scene five, she is opening a letter addressed to her from her husband Macbeth. She is informed of his concurrence with the three witches, who did not hesitate in telling him they believe he will become the next King of Scotland, following Duncan’s death. At this moment, there is no controversy as to excitement and enthusiasm that has filled Lady Macbeth; it is here she begins plotting the murder of King Duncan. There are a variety of quotations that demonstrate the depth of Lady Macbeth’s determination to prevent anybody infringing upon her plot. ‘Shake my fell purpose nor keep peace between Th’effect and it’ Ensuing this, Lady Macbeth wishes for no interference, for example the distraction of daylight causes a possible problem in the fatal killing of Duncan. ‘Nor heaven peep through the blanket of the dark’. Lady Macbeth wants the murder to be convicted where it will not be seen, she wishes for there to be no daylight so neither Duncan nor she sees the murder. She is desperate not to hold the feeling of guilt. The most obvious defect of Lady Macbeth is her variety of mannerisms. She appears to own characteristics that would not be expected of an Elizabethan woman. Between lines 35 to 37, Lady Macbeth reveals a hidden witch- like complexion in which she calls upon, to aid and add ease to her plot. This most obvious attribute is demonstrated in these quotes, ‘come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts’. She is pleading with the ‘spirits’ to remove any weak feelings and nature’s innocence drained from her body, to ensure she can feel no remorse. The language used suggests she may already be knowledgeable of her witch-like needs and draws the evidence closer to showing signs of her psychological problems. ‘Make thick my blood’, allows her to feel any signs of normality that were previously within her, will be numbed, cold. Throughout Macbeth, Shakespeare makes an obvious statement of using illusions that not only add effect but allow the audience to make connections to previous scenes. The most effective and carefully placed illusion within the text is the word ‘crown’ in the quotation, ‘fill me from the crown to the toe topfull of direst cruelty’ This alludes to Lady Macbeth’s compelling desperation to become queen. Additionally, an explanation towards the trigger of Lady Macbeth’s fiendish behaviour could be connected to the loss of her child. It would appear to have affected her to some extent to the point where she has resulted in this character to cover her faulted complexion. Moreover, the time arrives where Lady Macbeth make the vital move to persuade her husband, Macbeth who is teased by the witches premonitions to take the plot with both hands, and deal the deed. It is in this scene only that Lady Macbeth’s split personality plays an affect that benefits both her and her husband. She has the ability to lure Macbeth into a false sense of security using her seductive charms. Yet, seductiveness alone would not win her the result she is after. She plays Macbeth’s emotions from making him full of guilt, to encouraging him to take a hold of himself and wash away his consideration for others. She ensures he is like putty in her hands, and almost takes on a motherly role with him to make him feel secure and safe in her presence. This is suggested within this quote she is trying to persuade Macbeth to go forward with the murder and therefore giving him no way out of the situation. ‘I have laid the daggers ready’. She quotes ‘look like the innocent flower but be the serpent under’t.’ This is to encourage Macbeth into making himself appear to be the kind, generous person he is but underneath the truth, to reveal an immortality of evil bitterness with the capability of murder. Throughout the play, Lady Macbeth has be subsequently revealed to be a women who plays the dominant part in her relationship with her husband, which would have been viewed as unacceptable in all manners. Words she uses such as ‘give’, ‘get’ and ‘be’ show the language of someone who owns the control in a relationship. It is obvious; Macbeth lacks the strength of a man who should stand by the tradition in the 1600’s that all are women inferior to men. Lady Macbeth is aware she has the upper hand and uses these tools to her advantage. As said previously, she ensures the situation is all set out, so Macbeth can do the deed eliminating any possible chances of him backing down. She is determined to succeed for Macbeth’s future as King of Scotland, or is it all about Lady Macbeth? Macbeth is beside himself after the brutal murder of Duncan, in which he caused. The effect upon him has resulted in extreme side effects in which Lady Macbeth holds concerns for, as she believes it may conclude in arousing suspicion from other family members. She is desperately trying to keep Macbeth level headed by reassuring and comforting his ever-guilty conscience. Quotations from the text support her; ‘ consider it not so deeply’. Lady Macbeth’s language begins to tell us that Macbeth’s ever changing behaviour is playing on her mind; her jerky answers and sharp questions reveal she is not holding her strength, as she would like to. ‘A little water clears us of this deed’ states Lady Macbeth in attempt to disguise her concern for Macbeth’s actions. She is trying to push away her most inner thoughts and convince Macbeth that he can rest assure their secret will not break loose and spread like wild fire. Her distinct change of heart, is becoming increasingly more noticeable throughout the play, she is able to adapt her manners to the situation at hand. She has a side of her which encourages the audience to feel a sense of sympathy towards her but others may perceive this behaviour to be ever more sinister than previous. Following the realisation that undertaking such a risky event to accomplish nothing hit Macbeth. The murder expose not only that his chances of becoming King are increasingly slim but the reality of effects upon himself were far stronger than his first thoughts. He is forced to recognise that Banquo’s sons have more heir to the throne than he; subsequently he kills Banquo in attempt at increasing his opportunity. It is during supper in which Macbeth is asked to seat himself yet rejects the invitation and sees Banquo’s ghost, resulting in a fright. Lady Macbeth once again plays the role of a caring wife trying to comfort her husband. She encourages the guests attending the meal to continue and informs them this is not a seldom occurrence. ‘My lord is often thus, and hath been from his youth.’ The guests absorb Lady Macbeth’s instructions but hold a sense of concern. Macbeth’s reaction to the ‘vision’ grows stronger, causing his wife to eliminate the chances of the murder being revealed to their guests. She is using her variety of personalities to disguise this factor with a sly method. Lady Macbeth continues to not only reassure Macbeth but to call him a coward and imply he is being ridicule to the guests. She states, ‘When all’s done, you look but on a stool’, this backs up this evidence. She is not only able to reveal herself as a kind, loving wife but it is obvious she is unable to hold back on her malicious, bitchy behaviour even in front of her guests. Due to the increase of the pressure upon Lady Macbeth, her struggle comes to a head. Her weakness has taken control and the effects are revealed in act five, scene one through a phase of sleepwalking. The conclusion is one in which was not intended. The secret is revealed to the doctor and gentlewomen observing Lady Macbeth’s actions. It is here in the play, where the suspense is at it’s most intense. It is not only that Lady Macbeth is blinded to the information she is showing her true colours. She may appear strong yet is weak and feeble beneath. ‘Yet who would’ve thought the old man to have so much blood in him?’ This quote ends all chances of Macbeth and his wife running from the burden that haunts them. It is the result of the pressure that cracks Lady Macbeth’s outer shell. In my opinion, William Shakespeare has used an immense quantity of time and thought to create the character of Lady Macbeth. He has the capability to control a balance between the caring, considerate to the malicious and controlling characteristics. This enables the character to show off Macbeth’s flair. Due to Lady Macbeth’s past it is understandable in certain respects for the behaviour she displays. But, even considering the situation, in my response she is very dominating woman who is aware she has the control over the relationship at hand.