Theme Of Peer Pressure In Macbeth

500 Words2 Pages

Peer pressure is a major factor in the story Macbeth, by William Shakespeare. In the story, Macbeth was the one to kill King Duncan, but it wouldn’t have happened without the help of Lady Macbeth. When Macbeth was trying to get out of murdering Duncan, Lady Macbeth talked him back into it. She also drugged the servants, so the murder would be easier. With that being said, it is clear that Lady Macbeth is more responsible for the Death of King Duncan. As stated in the last paragraph, Lady Macbeth had convinced Macbeth to kill the King, when Macbeth was clearly hesitant about the whole situation. When Macbeth tells his wife, instead of being understanding, like a normal wife, Lady Macbeth says, “ Was the hope drunk Wherein you dressed yourself? Hath it slept since?” (1.7.36-37). By saying this Lady Macbeth is insulting and manipulating Macbeth into following through with his plans. She also says, “Wouldst thou …show more content…

While Lady Macbeth is waiting for the return of Macbeth on the night of the murder, she proclaims, “I have drugged their possets.” (2.2.6). She wanted to make it as easy as possible for Macbeth. Lady Macbeth had drugged them so much she exclaims, “That death and nature do contend about them, Whether they live or die.” (2.2.7-8). Lady Macbeth probably thought Macbeth couldn’t pull of the murder without her help. She doesn't stop there though. Lady Macbeth goes even farther by planting the daggers for Macbeth. Something else Lady Macbeth says while waiting for Macbeth is, “Hark! I laid their daggers ready; He could not miss’em.” (2.2.11-12). Feeling strongly about the murder, Lady Macbeth wanted to place the murder weapon for Macbeth. She even goes as far as saying “Had he not resembled My father as he slept, I had done’t.” (2.2.12-13). The woman said she would literally kill the King if he did not resemble her dad. At this point it is very apparent that Lady Macbeth is more responsible for the death of