Use this graphic organizer to collect your thoughts about characterization in Macbeth. As you read each scene, record what you learn about the character. Add the line from the play that supports your idea.
Lady Macbeth Observations:
Text Support:
- Looks: Lady Macbeth looks like a serious, ambitious woman who is not afraid to go after what she desires; MACBETH: “not lose the dues of rejoicing, by being ignorant of what greatness is promised thee”
- Actions: She says everything to convince Macbeth that he should kill King Duncan.
Lady Macbeth’s determination is evident in her plan to blame the servants for Duncan’s murder. She intends to smear them with the king’s blood, stating, “But screw your courage to the sticking-place, and we’ll not fail… If he do bleed, I’ll gild the faces of the grooms withal, For it must seem their guilt.” Despite being confronted with death, Lady Macbeth remains unfazed and swiftly moves forward. She dismissively remarks, “A little water clears us of this deed: How easy is it then!” In my opinion, Lady Macbeth lacks remorse for her actions.
Despite Macbeth’s initial reluctance, his wife expects him to kill King Duncan and considers him somewhat of a coward when he hesitates. She questions if his hope-driven courage has vanished. While Macbeth shares his wife’s ambition, he also values his moral integrity, which conflicts with the plan to murder Duncan. He contemplates reasons why he shouldn’t proceed, including being Duncan’s relative and subject, as well as his duty as the host to protect him. Eventually, succumbing to Lady Macbeth’s persuasion, Macbeth commits the murder. As he descends into madness, he even converses with a hallucination of an invisible dagger. Ultimately, Macbeth successfully carries out the plan and kills Duncan. However, upon seeing blood on the previously clean dagger, he doubts his senses and wonders if what he sees is an illusion.
The speech demonstrates Macbeth’s nervousness and unease as he contemplates killing Duncan. He questions how he can bear the guilt of his actions, feeling haunted by every noise and fearing hands that seem to pluck out his eyes. Macbeth believes he cannot wash away the blood on his hands, even with the vast Neptune ocean. Although initially hesitant, Lady Macbeth persuades him to go through with the murder. However, she still views him as a coward even after he decides to proceed. Macbeth expresses fear and regret, declaring that he can no longer face what he has done and lacks resolve.
