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How Does Lady Macbeth Change In Character

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No matter how confident a character may appear to be, the smallest of words and the smallest of actions can have the greatest impact. Macbeth is an example of a tragedy by William Shakespeare that dramatises the damaging effects of selfishly seeking ambition. Lady Macbeth who is perhaps the most memorable character within the play, commits a surprising suicide considering her first appearance as a dominating and strong-willed figure. Her drastic character development shows the audience the influence that external and internal forces can have on an individual’s choices and actions. Three key factors that lead to her change in character are: the murder of Duncan, her loss of control over Macbeth, and the revelation of her crimes.
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In this case, Macbeth acts on his own accord to murder Banquo and refuses to inform her saying, “Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck,/ Till thou applaud the deed.” (III.ii.45-46) Such an occurrence is unknown to Lady Macbeth as she was a woman whom Macbeth would tell everything to. The realization that their relationship will never be the same, leads to regret for causing Macbeth’s darkness. It serves as a transition for her changing character and expands another important theme of, “choices and consequences”. Similarly, Lady Macbeth’s confidence continues to diminish due to the unforeseen effects of Duncan’s murder. Her regret is evident when she says, “Nought’s had, all’s spent/ ‘Tis safer to be that which we destroy/ Than by destruction dwell in doubtful joy.” (III.ii.4-7) In this quotation she realizes that the price for becoming queen is heavier than anticipated. Her blind ambition leads her to lose everything in which she as a character, learns from. The fact that she also finds it better to be the killed rather than the guilty may be a foreshadow for her choice to commit suicide. Lady Macbeth’s lack of control is a consequence she bestowed on herself. From these mistakes, the audience learns the weight of actions especially to those who are

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