Lady Macbeth Quotes Analysis

Power can be interpreted in many different ways, but in “Macbeth” power isn't just a title or , it also is the ability to control other people as Lady Macbeth does. Power literally means, “the capacity or ability to direct or influence the behavior of others or the course of events.” (Dictionary.com). Lady Macbeth shows this by convincing Macbeth to kill the king who he respects deeply and even after saying full heartedly, “We will proceed no further in this business” (1.7.32). Lady Macbeth wears “the pants” in the relationship, meaning she is more of a male figure than Macbeth is. Macbeth even agrees to this saying, “Bring forth men-children only, For thy undaunted mettle should compose nothing but males.” (1.7.73-74). This quote means

that her fearless spirit should create nothing but males, implying that she has the courage of a male.Lady Macbeth uses her power is many different ways, but with the outcome of her getting what she wants. One way she uses her power to influence Macbeth is questioning his “manhood.” She does this by saying, “When you durst do it, then you were a man.” (1.7.49). Lady Macbeth is saying that when he told her he would kill Duncan he was a man, but now he is “a coward in thine own esteem.” (1.7.43). She also questions his love for her by saying, “Such I account thy love.” (1.7.39.)