Lady Macbeth

Evil, manipulative, stubborn. These are the words that constantly depict the character of Lady Macbeth throughout the play Macbeth. Constantly intimidating her good conscience husband and coercing him into doing things he is unsure about, Lady Macbeth is unwilling to settle or compromise in the least. As a character, she is solely responsible for corrupting Macbeth, using him like a puppet through her constant badgering and insults. Throughout this play, Lady Macbeth is oblivious to the wants of others, and through her own selfishness corrupts her husband and spills blood over the name of herself and her husband forever.

No man ever wants to be called a coward, especially by his spouse. This is the predicament Macbeth faced when he refused at first to murder the virtuous King Duncan because of his class and justness. Yet he goes through with this unholy deed because of his wife, whose constant mean spirited name calling and fierce temperament get the better of him. In Act I, Macbeth even shares his concern for her malevolence, reproaching her to never have female children, for her masculine-like malicious disposition will surely reflect if she gives birth to daughters.

Lady Macbeth is also depicted as cold and unsympathetic within the play. After killing Banquo, Macbeth begins to show signs of madness, seeing visions of Banquo sitting in his chair and talking to himself. Lady Macbeth, rather than begging for help and rushing to her husband’s side, is more afraid with what Macbeth might reveal about his bloody climb to power and urges guests to continue feasting. Only when she sees Macbeth’s unnerving behavior could affect her negatively, whereas he could reveal how King Duncan really die, does she insist that the guests leave her residence so Macbeth can rest.  Her character really shows in this scene, where she is revealed as a criminal who shows no remorse and does not want to be caught.

Lady Macbeth, in some ways, could be a model for women in today’s age. Her strong will and fierce yearning make her a much stronger, iron fisted leader than Macbeth, who suffers guilty hallucinations and is unwilling to make up his mind. Unusual during that time, Lady Macbeth virtually ran the household, telling her husband what to do, and ordering her husband’s guests to leave shows a measure of boldness and defiance that would have been out of place. Despite her evilness and great lust for power, Lady Macbeth showed the unique qualities of confidence and valiance, of which most women were deprived of in the 11th century, making her somewhat of a representation for feminist causes.

In the end of the play, mounting guilt, fear, and pain catch up to hear, and ultimately cause her death. Despite this, Lady Macbeth is portrayed as evil, deceitful, and corrupting in the play 
Macbeth. Similar to Memo Paris in The Natural, she plays Macbeth like a puppet, threatening and taunting him into killing King Duncan, and eventually driving him crazy. Her destructive actions delineate her as a devil, yet her daringness and poise make her a model for women’s rights movements. Her character, being both a fusion of detestable and admirable traits is very unique, allowing Lady Macbeth to be a very distinctive character.

Macbeth

     On May 24, 1024, Macbeth entered into eternal rest. The husband of Lady Macbeth, he was the successor to the throne of King Duncan after his untimely death. Under him, Scotland continued to prosper and better itself. Known for his valor and chivalry, the dear King’s mental state seriously declined at the end of his life. He is predeceased by his acquaintance, Banquo, his wife, Lady Macbeth. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the family of King Duncan as forms of reparations, Macbeth’s own request.




Attached is a copy of his psychiatric report:

To whom it may concern:

     Recently, I have been in contact with King Macbeth. Although seemingly stable during initial conversation, Macbeth soon exhibited erratic and strange behavior during our meeting. One time in our meeting, Macbeth started screaming at the ottoman at the end of my study, telling it to “Quit His Sight” and that “His Bones had no marrow and your blood is cold.” When he looked at me again, he was as white as a ghost. It greatly concerned me, and even now I still wonder if Macbeth is fit and healthy enough to serve Scotland and her people. After this strange encounter, Macbeth clammed up and refused to tell me the matter, only demanding to leave. Whatever these illusions are, they are deeply frightening him and greatly hindering his quality of life. King Macbeth needs psychological help immediately, and if he does not, I fear that he will pose a danger to himself and the rest of society. 

     I have done previous studies on such individuals, and determined their problem was guilt. Although I have met Macbeth only once, I judge him as a good, yet troubled man. I witness no character flaws, no belligerence, and no anger. Only fear. That is why it is so difficult for me to figure out Macbeth, and I ache for him so. His psychological problems are his problem, and unless he seeks help I am unable to help him. Unless he speaks to me about his problems and follows logic, reason, and his heart, he is a doomed, mad fellow.

Dr. Chris Auray, Psy.D.