Bravado or Cowardly

October 12, 2006

3rd Period

Ms. Lee

Bravado or Cowardly

In Shakespeare's heartbreak in Macbeth, Lady Macbeth shows two different personalities. One of her traits is wicked and overriding, while the other trait is very sympathetic and negligent. I believe Lady Macbeth's boldness is more an act than her true expression of her mind-set and her talent for putting on a "false-face" works to her shortcoming. In this essay I will discuss some examples throughout Macbeth that support my belief in Lady Macbeth.

As we are first introduced to Lady Macbeth, she seems to be cold-blooded and dominant. Once she reads Macbeth's letter. Once Lady Macbeth reads the letter she says to herself "I may pour my spirits in thine ear/ And chastise with the valour of my tongue/ All that impedes thee from the golden round" (1.5.24-26). She is also gradually switching roles with Macbeth in being kind and thoughtful. Lady Macbeth begins displaying her kindliness when she calms her husband's nervous tension after the murdering of King Duncan. She is also gradually switching roles with Macbeth in being kind and thoughtful. Lady Macbeth begins displaying her kindliness when she calms Macbeth's nervous tension after the murdering of King Duncan. When Macbeth tells his wife that he plans to murder Banquo and Fleance, she replies to his plan by saying "Come on. Gentle my lord/ Sleek o'er your rugged looks, be bright and jovial/ Among your guests tonight" (3.2.26-28). Lady Macbeth now plays the role of the person who is too compassionate to kill. I believe this is a hint of Lady Macbeth's normal behavior slowly peaking.

Later throughout the play, Lady Macbeth realizes all the horrible things she and Macbeth have done so Macbeth could be king, and she recognizes that they have really achieved nothing for their undertaking whereas they are losing everything. While reflecting to herself on all that has gone on, she says to herself "Nought's had, all's spent/ Where our desire is got without content/ Tis safer to be that which we destroy/ Than by destruction dwell in doubtful joy" (3.2.4-7). She realizes that they haven't achieved the life that they desired. Lady Macbeth realizes that she and Macbeth