Friday, June 7, 2019

How does Shakespeare present Lady Macbeth as a powerful woman? (extent)

I think that the first way that Lady Macbeth is presented as a powerful woman is the fact that she is a noblewoman. She's not a commoner; therefore, she has wealth and the power that comes with being wealthy. She has a large home complete with servants because she is the wife of a "thane." Even before Macbeth is given the title of Thane of Cawdor, he is the Thane of Glamis. Lady Macbeth, by default, is given power because of her husband.
I think a good, specific example of Shakespeare presenting Lady Macbeth as a powerful woman is in how she controls her husband. Macbeth is absolutely tempted by the potential of becoming king, but it is Lady Macbeth that comes up with the majority of the assassination plan. She's the one that convinces her husband that they can do it and get away with it. Even after Macbeth talks himself out of killing Duncan, Lady Macbeth verbally abuses Macbeth enough to cause him to once again commit to the plan.

What beast was't, then,That made you break this enterprise to me?When you durst do it, then you were a man;And, to be more than what you were, you wouldBe so much more the man.

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