Megalomania And The Overambition Of Lady Macbeth

Humans are predisposed to act in self-interest. As exists in human nature, individuals innately seek outcomes and situations that benefit them. This inherent, omnipotent greed for success and power stains the fabric of human history. Macbeth prominently displays this behavior and serves as a prime example of hubris. William Shakespeare’s Macbeth warns readers about the repercussions of megalomania and the obsession over masculinity through Lady Macbeth’s manipulation and Macbeth’s overambition.

Lady Macbeth’s obsession with power leads her to manipulate her husband to gain the throne, eventually causing her untimely death. Once Lady Macbeth receives Macbeth’s letter, she says in her soliloquy, “Come, you spirits That tend on mortal thoughts,

Lady Macbeth desires to achieve more masculinity to accomplish the task of regicide. This rejection of humanity and acceptance of cruelty empowers Lady Macbeth to go through with the deed and succeed where Macbeth fails, as he lacks cruelty and a strong masculine outlook. Her inhumanity stems from her lust for power and drives her masculine urges. Later, Lady Macbeth’s obtained power proves to overtake her, as after hearing Macbeth’s evil deeds, she hallucinates in her sleep. While trying to purge an imaginary bloody spot from her hand, she shouts “Out, damned spot, out, I say! One. Two. Why then, ’tis time to do ’t. Hell is murky. Fie, my lord, fie, a soldier and afeard” (5.1.37-39). This incomplete conversion from female to male failed to reach its desired effect, and it overtook her. Because Lady Macbeth still had a semblance of a heart and humanity, she became overridden with guilt. The permanent bloody spot symbolizes her guilt and participation in Duncan’s murder, which happened because Lady Macbeth acted as a catalyst, directly placing her at fault. In the form of a nightmare,

Before committing to the conspiracy, Macbeth deliberates the implications of his decision: “I dare do all that may become a man. Who dares do more is none” (1.7.51-52). As Macbeth debates, he states that all people make mistakes, and all the occurrences so far fit his nature. However, he realizes that going further to usurp the throne would defy nature and dehumanize him. This act fills him with the cruelty and heartlessness that Lady Macbeth seeks, leading to his death. Once Macbeth acquires the throne, he completes the three prophecies. However, this promise of power corrupts him and pushes him to act further, despite already having the throne. When discussing the implications of Banquo’s prophecies, Macbeth proclaims, “To be thus is nothing, But to be safely thus. Our fears in Banquo Stick deep” (3.1.52-54). Banquo’s deep friendship means nothing to Macbeth, as he decides to kill him as quickly as the snap of a finger. Macbeth’s decision to assassinate Banquo causes permanent damage and haunts him throughout the remainder of the play. No issues exist between Macbeth and Banquo, but the moment the witches plant a seed of desire in Macbeth’s head, he becomes paranoid and merciless. This incident began Macbeth’s downfall because it led others to suspect him of foul play and distrust him, eventually leading to a revolution. This decline of