Macbeth - Lady Macbeth Flashcards
Lady Macbeth - Introduction
In Macbeth, Shakespeare presents the character of Lady Macbeth who subverts her femininity, denying the Jacobean stereotypes which would be placed upon her. In the Jacobean era, women were subservient to men and portrayed as physically and emotionally weaker than men. Shakespeare uses the character of Lady Macbeth as a catalyst in order for Macbeth to draw out his true nature which ultimately, led to the regicide of King Duncan and eventually his tragic downfall.
Quotes
Yet do I fear thy nature, it is full o’ milk of human kindness
- Full of milk - figuratively Macbeth is feminine and pure and fear of kindness is antithetical which shows the warped values Lady Macbeth has
‘I may pour my spirits on thine ear’
Alluding to evil spirits - manipulative manner - supernatural - leaking to Macbeth
Will the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand
-Not everyday items, only the best. This strikes at the heart of the character. Wanting more, ambitious for the finer things
-Feminity - Arabia exotic - perfume masks the scent but never get rids of it - represent Lady Macbeth’s guilt
