Essay on Macbeth and Lady Macbeth - Grade A

GCSE: English Literature

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In William Shakespeare's "Macbeth", the two main characters are referred to as "this dead butcher and his fiend-like queen". I agree that this is an accurate description of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth to a certain extent. However, although they obviously do possess some of these qualities, it is too simplistic an approach to deem them purely evil. At many stages throughout the play we see different sides to their personalities, for example Lady Macbeth's inability to commit the murder of Duncan herself and both character's feelings of guilt.

At the beginning of the play, there are many references to Macbeth as being a noble and honourable man. The dramatist writes, "For brave Macbeth - well he deserves that name -". This shows that Macbeth has total respect from his fellow soldiers and the use of parenthesis here confirms that he is completely worthy. Lady Macbeth also reveals her more sensitive side when she states:
“Had he not resembled
My father as he slept, I had done't."
The fact that she cannot personally commit the murder due to Duncan bearing a resemblance to her father shows that she must hold a genuine love for another human being, proving that she is not entirely villainous.

Throughout the play, the theme of ambition is evident, mainly in Macbeth and his wife's characters. I believe that this is responsible for the deterioration of their behaviour and, eventually, their downfall. In act 1, scene 5 Lady Macbeth uses emotive language to manipulate her husband and states, "I may pour my spirits in thine ear". This indicates a strong sense of corruption, almost as if she is forcing her poison into Macbeth as a result of her intense desire to become queen. It is also clear that Macbeth realises that his only motivation to commit the murder is ambition and person gain, as he says in act 1, scene 7:
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