Providing an in-depth well evaluated description of a response to a real Paper 2 AQA English Literature Macbeth Question. This includes a highly intellectual understanding of Macbeth with a detailed description of each paragraph. This is high valued as it provides a well written response into how s...
Title: The Complex Relationship between Macbeth and Lady
Macbeth in Shakespeare's Macbeth
Q) Starting with this conversation, explore how Shakespeare presents the relationship
between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.
Write about:
• how Shakespeare presents their relationship in this extract
• how Shakespeare presents the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in the
play as a whole.
[30 marks] AO4 [4 marks]
Introduction:
In Shakespeare's tragedy Macbeth, the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth is
a central aspect of the play. Their connection undergoes significant changes, displaying
elements of love, ambition, manipulation, guilt, and ultimately, tragedy. This essay will
examine how Shakespeare presents their relationship in a specific extract, and then explore
the broader portrayal of their relationship throughout the play.
Body:
I. Presentation of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth's Relationship in the Extract:
The selected extract, Act 1, Scene 5, captures a critical moment in the play where Lady
Macbeth receives Macbeth's letter detailing the witches' prophecy. Shakespeare employs
various techniques to reveal the dynamics of their relationship:
Ambition and Encouragement:
Lady Macbeth's immediate response to the letter demonstrates her ambitious nature and
her influence over Macbeth. She calls upon the spirits to "unsex" her, indicating her desire
for masculine qualities to aid her in persuading Macbeth to commit regicide. This reflects
the extraordinary level of control she possesses over her husband, as she urges him to "look
like the innocent flower but be the serpent under it" in order to fulfil their shared ambition.
Power Dynamics:
Shakespeare establishes a power dynamic in the relationship, with Lady Macbeth assuming
a dominant role. She questions Macbeth's masculinity, ridiculing his indecisiveness, and
daring him to be "so much more the man." This emasculation serves to provoke Macbeth's
ambition and manipulate him into carrying out their murderous plans. Lady Macbeth's
dominant position is evident as she takes charge of the situation, persuading Macbeth to act
against his moral instincts.
II. Presentation of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth's Relationship in the Play as a Whole:
Shakespeare presents the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth as
multifaceted, progressing through various stages:
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller leongoodman6. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for £7.79. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
