Macbeth Symbiotic Relationship Essay

William Shakespeare’s Macbeth embraces the eternal conflict between good and evil. In further exploring this major thematic concern, it is evident that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s contrast in morality and self-efficacy presents varying forms of symbiotic relationships between the two characters throughout the play. While the pair is allied in pursuit of power and ambition at the beginning ¬– despite their respective deficiencies – tension, hesitation, and their alternating power-hungry natures amalgamate into a dominant driving force that strains the relationship as the play progresses. However, despite their ever-changing dynamic struggles, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth remain interdependent as they feed off the other’s anxiety and insecurities

These diverse forms and outcomes of symbiotic relationships in Shakespeare’s Macbeth accentuate the complexities of human nature, including the impact of societal gender roles, moral manipulation and loyalty, ultimately stressing the significance of virtue and balance in relationships. A symbiotic relationship refers to the close associations formed between two organisms where one or more sides are benefiting from their connection to one another. Symbiotic relationships take on various forms, and is especially evident in Shakespeare’s Macbeth when presented as underlying themes of mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism. Mutualism is a beneficially bilateral connection; this symbiotic relationship survives on the basis that both parties gain a mutual advantage from the other’s presence. Mutualism is evident in Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s reliance on each other as a plot device. The premise of the

Mathis and Bronstein define commensalism as a concept that “lies at the intersection of two extensively studied forms of interspecific interaction, mutualism and antagonism” (183) –antagonism is an overarching term that encompasses the subcategories of parasitism and predation. Commensalism differs from mutualism; while mutualism is a synergistic process, commensalism is a one-sided relationship that benefits a single party whilst the opposing side derives no substantial benefit nor harm. As the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth evolves into one of dispute, the relationship exhibits commensalism as Lady Macbeth is the single party who continues to derive benefit. In favour of her own selfish desire for the title of queen, a title that would be impossible to obtain without her puppet of a husband ¬– and man in general¬ –, she retorts in a harsh way when Macbeth declares that “we will proceed no further in this business. He hath honored me of late, and I have bought golden opinions from all sorts of people, which would be worn now in their newest gloss, not cast aside so soon” (Shakespeare 1.7. 34-38). As Macbeth attempts to withdraw his act of rebellion and reinstate his morals, Lady Macbeth continues to act on the role that she was tasked with since the beginning of the play: to