lady macbeth Flashcards
What does Lady Macbeth represent in Shakespeare’s play?
Ambition and the rejection of traditional gender roles
Through her character, Shakespeare critiques how power and guilt affect the human psyche, particularly through the lens of femininity.
How does Lady Macbeth’s character develop throughout the play?
Starts as a driving force behind Macbeth’s ambition and deteriorates into guilt-ridden madness
Her conscience overwhelms her, leading to her breakdown.
In which scenes does Lady Macbeth play an important role?
Act 1, Scene 5; Act 2, Scene 2; Act 3, Scene 4; Act 5, Scene 1
Key moments include her ‘unsex me here’ speech and her sleepwalking scene.
How does the theme of guilt affect the understanding of Lady Macbeth’s character?
Illuminates her descent into madness
Initially suppresses her morality, but guilt manifests physically, as seen in her line about the perfumes of Arabia.
How does historical context enhance understanding of Lady Macbeth’s character?
Her rejection of traditional gender roles would shock a Jacobean audience
Her desire to be ‘unsexed’ challenges patriarchal expectations, making her downfall a restoration of natural order.
What does the phrase ‘unsex me here’ signify in Lady Macbeth’s character?
Rejection of traditional femininity and embrace of ruthlessness
This line showcases her willingness to discard her gender identity to pursue power.
What does Lady Macbeth mean by ‘Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under’t’?
Encourages deception to achieve power
This line reflects her manipulative nature and tactical approach to ambition.
What does the line ‘Out, damned spot!’ symbolize in Lady Macbeth’s character?
Her overwhelming guilt and descent into madness
This moment signifies her internal struggle and the consequences of her actions.
what is the quote about arabias perfumes
all the perfumes of arabia will not sweeten this little hand
