The Use of Language, Stagecraft and Structure to Illustrate the Demise of Lady Macbeth

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To explore the demise of Lady Macbeth, it is crucial to compare various scenes beginning with Act 1 Scene 5 and ending with Act 5 Scene 1. It is going to examine, using language, stagecraft and structure, how in the beginning of the play Lady Macbeth is manipulative and dominant over Macbeth, but towards the end of the play, the roles have reversed and Lady Macbeth is needed less and less. Towards the closing scenes, Macbeth becomes totally independent in his actions and decisions, in stark contrast, Lady Macbeth becomes isolated, anxious and tormented by the crime they have committed, so much so that she feels that is too much to bear, and by the end of the play, takes her own life.

“Macbeth” was written between 1603 and 1606, when James VI of Scotland, became James I of England. It could be argued, this play was definitely constructed with James in mind, as he was interested in witchcraft and superstitious activity, which feature in Macbeth, as illustrated in this essay.

In Act 1 scene 5, Lady Macbeth receives a letter from Macbeth. This letter informs Lady Macbeth of an encounter with the weird sisters who stated that Macbeth will become firstly Thane of Glamis, then Thane of Cawdor, and eventually will become king. It is understandable that many thoughts went through Lady Macbeth’s mind and she was ecstatic by the news. However, Lady Macbeth is worried that Macbeth is too weak, and is not determined enough to become king and seize the crown. This is revealed when Lady Macbeth says ‘yet do I fear thy nature, it is too full o’th’ milk of human kindness’. Later in this scene, she adds ‘Look like th' innocent flower, but be the serpent under’t’, instructing Macbeth to be deceptive with his emotions.

Upon hearing that ...

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... Lady Macbeth because of her single minded determination to become queen and her overpowering, manipulative and often cruel behaviour towards Macbeth. This is cleverly portrayed by Shakespeare as women in that era were regarded as inferior in the mind, will and body. Alternatively, men were superior yet Lady Macbeth was able to take control and overrule Macbeth. This is how Lady Macbeth’s character became so cold and calculating. Her role was vital, as Macbeth is tempted to perform evil deeds, Lady Macbeth is the key human agent, the one who Macbeth loves and trusts the most. Lady Macbeth can use this to her advantage to ensure the temptation is completed. I believe Shakespeare was a very accomplished writer and storyteller. The language Shakespeare uses clearly reflects Lady Macbeth’s character and personality. This creates clear impressions in your mind.

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