Lady Macbeth- Character

Question 1

How is Lady Macbeth presented in the play?

Answer 1

Ambitious – She wants Macbeth to be king and will do anything to make it happen.
Manipulative – She persuades Macbeth to kill Duncan.
Remorseless (at first) – She dismisses guilt early on.
Mentally unstable (later) – Guilt overwhelms her, leading to her downfall.

Question 2

quote that shows her cunning and manipulative nature

Answer 2

“Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under’t.” (Act 1, Scene 5) –

Question 3

quote that shows she wants to reject her femininity and be ruthless

Answer 3

unsex me here!” (Act 1, Scene 5)

Question 4

quote that shows she initially dismisses guilt and thinks it’s something she can easily wash away.

Answer 4

A little water clears us of this deed.” (Act 2, Scene 2)

Question 5

How does Lady Macbeth change in the play?

Answer 5

At first → She is strong, determined, and in control.
After Duncan’s murder → She becomes uneasy but hides it.
Later in the play → She loses control over Macbeth and becomes isolated.
At the end → Guilt consumes her, leading to her tragic death.

Question 6

quote that shows at first she feels powerful after Duncan’s murder

Answer 6

That which hath made them drunk hath made me bold.

Question 7

quote to show she is overcome with guilt and hallucinations

Answer 7

Out, damned spot! Out, I say!

Question 8

quote which shows she cannot outrun her guilt

Answer 8

What’s done cannot be undone.

Question 9

How does historical context influence the portrayal of Lady Macbeth?

Answer 9

In Shakespeare’s time, women were expected to be submissive, making Lady Macbeth’s ambition shocking.
The real Lady Macbeth (Gruoch of Scotland) was not as ruthless as in the play.
King James I’s interest in witchcraft influenced her connection to dark forces.

Question 10

How does Lady Macbeth fit Machiavelli’s idea of leadership?

Answer 10

1. Machiavelli argued that leaders must be ruthless and manipulative to gain power—Lady Macbeth follows this idea.
2. However, she lacks Machiavelli’s idea of maintaining power, as she breaks down mentally.
3. She encourages Macbeth to be feared rather than loved, but this ultimately leads to their downfall.

Question 11

What does Lady Macbeth mean when she says, “unsex me here” (Act 1, Scene 5)?

Answer 11

1. She wants to remove her femininity so she can be ruthless and commit murder.
2. In Shakespeare’s time, women were seen as weak and nurturing—she rejects this.
3. This links to themes of gender roles and power in the play.

Question 12

What tactics does Lady Macbeth use to convince Macbeth to kill Duncan?

Answer 12

Challenges his masculinity: “When you durst do it, then you were a man.” (Act 1, Scene 7)
Mocks his fears: Calls him a coward if he backs out.
Encourages deception: Tells him to “look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under’t.” (Act 1, Scene 5)
Creates the murder plan: She takes control, saying she will make Duncan’s guards drunk.

Question 13

What is Lady Macbeth’s role in Macbeth’s downfall?

Answer 13

She pushes him to kill Duncan, starting his descent into tyranny.
After the murder, Macbeth becomes more independent and power-hungry.
Her guilt isolates her, leaving Macbeth without guidance.
Her death symbolises his complete loss of emotional connection.

Question 14

How does Lady Macbeth challenge or reinforce gender roles?

Answer 14

1. She challenges gender expectations: wants power and rejects traditional femininity.
2. She uses Macbeth’s masculinity against him, showing that strength is linked to ambition.
3. However, she eventually falls into a stereotypical emotional breakdown, reinforcing gender norms.