Dysfunction In Macbeth

Relationships only work if both sides put in an effort to make it work, no relationship can function if only one member is trying. Sadly, this is the case for Macbeth in Macbeth, by William Shakespeare. This play tells the story of Macbeth and the actions he takes. He also has his wife, Lady Macbeth, who guides him in these decisions. The problem between the two is that the actions that Macbeth takes are not his own; rather, they are the ones influenced towards him by Lady Macbeth., which causes a strain in their relationship. They have a dysfunctional relationship because they constantly disagree, they have different views and opinions of each other, and Lady Macbeth manipulates Macbeth to do what she wants.

Adding to the dysfunction of Macbeth

Throughout the play, Macbeth has his own moral code that stops him from doing what he believes is wrong. Since he has scruples, he wants to stop their plan of regicide from happening and move on with their lives. However, Lady Macbeth does not accept his demand, and she decides to coerce him to do the deed anyway. She is able to change his mind by saying that he is not a man and says if he does not kill Duncan, he will “live a coward in [his] own esteem" (I.vii.47). She alters his opinions by degrading him to a coward so that he will be convinced to change his mind. She makes him put aside his own moral code in order for him to please her. Along with making him seem like a coward, after killing Duncan, she makes him sound weak by saying, "My hands are of your color, but I shame to wear a heart so white" (II.ii.82-83). Lady Macbeth says she has as much blood on her hands as he does, except, she does not feel the shame and guilt. Lady Macbeth believes that he is wrong for feeling guilty. Lady Macbeth tries to destroy his moral code, hoping to get him from stop believing what they are doing is wrong. This relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth is not functional because she does not let him have his own opinions and has to try to take control over him to do what she wants to be

These are why the relationship between the two do not work. In relationships, both people need to do an equal job of trying to get past differences, not to deviously change their mind. When Lady Macbeth does not agree with Macbeth’s opinions, she tries to scare him to do the deed anyway. Except, it is Macbeth’s fault as well for not sticking to his own morals. Therefore, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth both fail in their relationship. Relationships cannot rely on one person when all of the responsibility is one person;all it will cause is