Redeeming features in the character of Macbeth
While there are redeeming features in the character of Macbeth, Lady Macbeth is portrayed as a ruthless opportunist whose ambition for her husband supersedes all moral considerations.”
Discuss this view, supporting your answer by reference or quotation.
Sample Solution
The play Macbeth by William Shakespeare is a tragedy that follows the story of a brave Scottish general as he is tempted and ultimately corrupted by ambition. While both Macbeth and his wife Lady Macbeth share similar drives for power, it is clear from the text that their characters differ in how they approach these ambitions. It can be argued that Lady Macbeth is portrayed as a ruthless opportunist whose ambition for her husband supersedes all moral considerations.
Lady Macbeth immediately recognizes an opportunity when she hears of her husbands prophecy to become king and thus sets out to support him in any way possible, often resorting to unethical means of doing so. This can be seen through her willingness to manipulate or even threaten others into accomplishing what she desires such as when she says “I have given suck and know/ How tender ’tis to love the babe that milks me:/ I would, while it was smiling in my face, / Have plucked my nipple from his boneless gums/ And dashed the brains out” (Shakespeare 1:7:54-58). By threatening violence against an innocent infant Lady Macbeth shows just how far she will go if it means furthering her husband’s interests.
Additionally Lady Macbeth frequently encourages her husband away from moral considerations instead placing greater emphasis on success no matter how it comes about. She readily accepts murder as an option whenever obstacles arise which often leads them down darker paths such as when she exclaims “be innocent of the knowledge dearest chuck/ Till thou art thereby profited./If thou speak’st false one word shall make thee silent evermore” (Shakespeare 2:2:67- 69). In this instance Lady Macbeth utilizes guilt tripping tactics in order get King Duncan killed regardless of its immorality which further illustrates her amoral character.
In conclusion, while there are certainly some redeemable qualities present within both protagonists; compared with his wife, who lacks any restraint regarding achieving success; Shakespeare portrays MacBeth less as a villainous opportunist but rather someone who succumbs to temptation due largely in part because of his own weaknesses and those influenced by those around him.
