Throughout the play Macbeth, the relationship between Lady Macbeth and her spouse in not constant. Whereas Lady Macbeth is seen as more dominant in the beginning of the play, their roles are reversed after a murder. Due to the Macbeth’s desire for power within society, their marriage dynamic changes drastically. Although Lady Macbeth started as a power-hungry planner, she watches in dismay as her husband begins to kill multiple people whom he imagines diminish his power.
Before the first prophecy Macbeth was a faithful soldier, but very passive. Lady Macbeth, although loved Macbeth, is more violent, and wishes for Macbeth to act more recklessly and violent in order to gain more power. After being informed of the first prophecy, Macbeth shows his humanity on multiple
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Towards the end of the play, Lady Macbeth expresses her humanity unlike when she wished for a more “manly” husband. Due to Macbeth increasing acts of violence, he becomes less guilty, and more power absorbed. Lady Macbeth is less involved in Macbeth’s plans, and becomes more worried and innocent to Macbeth. Macbeth continues to kill, but starts to kill innocent people who did not pose as a threat to him and his power. A messenger visits the Macduffs and warns them saying, “I doubt some danger does approach you nearly” (4.2.73). Even though Lady Macduff and her son do not pose as a threat to Macbeth, Macbeth has them killed. Lady Macbeth, while sleepwalking, announces to her doctor and maid, “Will these hands ne’er be clean?” (5.1.45). Lady Macbeth is finally starting to realize that her husband has took his obsession with power too far. She expresses her guilt and remorse without even realizing it, showing that she truly regrets her actions. Due to her guilt, Lady Macbeth takes her own life. Instead of showing any sign of remorse, Macbeth proclaims, “ She should have died hereafter” (5.5.20). After the death of his wife, Macbeth shows no signs of grieving, or love towards his recently deceased