Lady Macbeth Ruthlessness Quotes

In the Shakespearean play of Macbeth, Lady Macbeth is arguably one of the most dynamic characters. Her fierce personality does not comply with the average woman of the mid 1000’s, adding to her intrigue. Her ruthlessness, however, does not last long, as she is consumed by her guilt regarding her part in the killing of Duncan. In the Tragedy of Macbeth, Shakespeare portrays Lady Macbeth’s shift from ruthless to remorseful through her actions throughout the play, in order to reveal that guilt plagues one’s conscience.

Through Lady Macbeth’s reactions to Macbeth’s prophecy, Shakespeare characterizes her as ruthless, in order to reveal the initial ambition that she possesses. Right from the beginning, when Lady Macbeth hears the prophecy that

Lady Macbeth believes that if Macbeth confronts his fears of betraying Duncan and Scotland, then he will be able to successfully obtain the throne without feeling any remorse. Essentially, Lady Macbeth believes that their plan will not fail as long as Macbeth acts savagely and stays committed to the plan. Lastly, Lady Macbeth reveals her ruthlessness by taking full initiative on arranging for Duncan’s murder. When discussing the plan with Macbeth, Lady Macbeth says, “You shall put this night’s great business into thy dispatch” (Shakespeare 1.6.79-80). Since Duncan is staying at Macbeth’s castle for a night, Lady Macbeth plans to serve as a kind and gracious host, setting Macbeth up for success when he commits the murder. Therefore, Lady Macbeth essentially helps Macbeth create the impression that it was the guards who had committed the murder, lifting any suspicion off of Macbeth. Lady Macbeth’s ability to keep her composure after Duncan’s murder, reveals her ruthless character, while also concealing the murder. In fact, Lady Macbeth is the one who shakes Macbeth out of his frenzy and orders him to put the daggers back-“Why did you bring these daggers from the place? They must lie there” (Shakespeare 2.2.62-63 ). By contrasting Lady Macbeth’s composed state with Macbeth’s delirious state, Shakespeare helps to convey

Soon after Macbeth’s downfall into paranoia, and the countless other murder’s of those in the kingdom, guilt starts to creep up on Lady Macbeth. She is pictured sleepwalking, and more specifically, frantically trying to wash her hands, yelling, “Out, out damned spot!” (Shakespeare 5.1.36). The notion of washing herself, suggests that Lady Macbeth is trying to cleanse herself of the sins she committed, as washing oneself alludes to baptism and purification. In addition, Lady Macbeth talks in her sleep, admitting to several of the murders. Since she cannot confess her sins consciously, it seems as if all of her guilt is coming out during her sleep. While sleepwalking, Lady Macbeth says,“Yet who would have thought the old man to have so much blood in him?” (Shakespeare 5.1.41-42). Lady Macbeth refers to Duncan here, and it is quite evident that her inability to sleep is caused by her vivid remembrance of Duncan’s murder, specifically the blood. In fact, she seems to still be able to smell the blood, saying, “Here’s the smell of blood still. All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand” (Shakespeare 5.1.52-54). This quote reveals Lady Macbeth’s delusion, as there is no actual smell of blood present, rather Lady Macbeth recalls the scent of Duncan’s blood after his death. Lady Macbeth’s guilt