By: Gurkirat Toor
Macbeth and Lady Macbeth
Good vs Evil
In medieval times, society often perceived that men were evil and women were innocent. However, in Act 1 of the tragedy, Macbeth, Shakespeare proves that women are as capable of committing sinful acts as men. He portrays this within the character of Lady Macbeth as she proves to be more corrupted than Macbeth as they plan to murder King Duncan. This is highlighted throughout the act as she is disloyal, ambitious, and opportunistic. To begin with, Macbeth is shown to be a ruthless killer on the battlefield while being loyal to those who are deserving of it. He shows this loyalty during his soliloquy as he states “He’s here in double trust.../ hath been so clear in his great office, that his virtues…/I have no reason to spur” (I.vii. 12-25). In contrast, Lady Macbeth demonstrates her disloyalty when King Duncan arrives at the castle when she says “For those of old, and the late dignities heaped up to them, we rest your hermits” (I.vi. 20), as she is using verbal irony to perceive a kind appearance when actually, she is planning to backstab her guest. Furthermore, Macbeth’s ambition towards murdering the king is incomparable to Lady Macbeths. As Macbeth showcases ambition to be king but doesn’t have the drive to do what it takes to achieve his aspiration, Which he demonstrates when he is talking to the stars, “Let not light see my black and deep desires”(I.v. 51). Whereas Lady Macbeth has both ambition and drive which is shown after she read the letter sent by ...
