Washing her Hands: The Guilt of Lady Macbeth

             To transform ones character through years of experience and age is beneficial. To deteriorate ones character through a short period of fast decisions and unsure actions causes peril. Lady Macbeth gives truth to this theory. The impulsive mistakes and power-hungry tactics Lady Macbeth utilizes are ultimately her dramatic flaws. She feels overwhelmed by all that is happening, both physically and mentally, and decides to end her own life. The Tragedy of Macbeth, by William Shakespeare illustrates two seemingly ordinary nobles whose lives intertwine in a whirlwind of power, corruption, and the supernatural, which ultimately results in their descents. They both, because of their entanglement in this greedy world, failed to consider the consequences of their actions. More realistically, Macbeth yielded to the belief that the deeds he would perform were the right thing to do, "I dare do all that may become a man. Who dares do more is none."(Shakespeare, Macbeth, Act I, Sc. vi!
             Lady Macbeth, in particular, loses sight of prudence from the play's beginning to end. She creates an image of ruthlessness and believes she can handle the disturbance of unearthly evil in her mind and soul. She presents a seemingly stable foundation of control to which she clutches with an iron fist. As Macbeth becomes less dependent on his wife, she loses more control. Lady Macbeth's character gradually disintegrates through a false portrayal of unyielding strength, an unsteady control of her husband, and shifting involvement with supernatural powers. Throughout the duration of the play Lady Macbeth's truly decrepit and vulnerable nature is revealed. Lady Macbeth has been the stronghold and authority icon for Macbeth, yet deep down, she never possessed these traits to begin with. This two-edged sword in Lady Macbeth's character plays a huge role in planting the seed for Macbeth's downfall and eventual demise.
             At the beginning of the play, Lady Mac...

More Essays:

APA     MLA     Chicago
Washing her Hands: The Guilt of Lady Macbeth . (1969, December 31). In MegaEssays.com. Retrieved 15:03, April 19, 2024, from https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/69319.html