Question:
Why did Macbeth listen to Lady Macbeth?
Answer:
In Shakespeare’s play “Macbeth,” Macbeth listens to and follows the advice of his wife, Lady Macbeth, due to her strong influence and persuasive manipulation. Lady Macbeth is ambitious and ruthless, and she convinces the more hesitant Macbeth to commit the murder of King Duncan in order to seize the throne. She questions Macbeth’s manhood and plays on his desire for power, ultimately leading him down a path of betrayal and violence. Macbeth’s deference to his wife’s schemes demonstrates the power dynamics within their relationship and Macbeth’s own internal struggle between his moral reservations and his ambition.
As the play progresses, Macbeth’s guilt and inner turmoil become increasingly apparent. He remarks, “If it were done when ’tis done, then ’twere well / It were done quickly,” revealing his awareness of the gravity of the deed, yet his desire to “jump the life to come” and avoid the consequences. However, Lady Macbeth remains steadfast in her manipulation, telling him, “These deeds must not be thought / After these ways; so, it will make us mad.” Her unwavering resolve to see the plan through contrasts sharply with Macbeth’s growing moral unease, highlighting the imbalance of power in their relationship that ultimately leads Macbeth to commit the murder.
Jump to Relevant Passages:
Act i, Scene vi
Act ii, Scene iii
Act ii, Scene i
Relevant Passages:
Act i, Scene vi
Lady Macbeth reads a letter from her husband about the Weird Sisters’ prophecy of his future kingship and informs him of the news that the King will be arriving that night. She expresses her concern about her husband’s ambition and plans to encourage him to take the necessary actions to become king.
Act ii, Scene iii
Lady Macbeth enters and reveals that she has drugged the guards and prepared the daggers for Macbeth to kill Duncan. Macbeth returns and confirms that he has completed the deed, but is disturbed by the noises he heard. Lady Macbeth tries to calm him down and they discuss the details of the murder.
Act ii, Scene i
Macbeth ponders the consequences of assassinating Duncan and decides not to go through with it, citing his relationship with Duncan and Duncan’s good qualities as reasons. Lady Macbeth enters and tells Macbeth that Duncan has almost finished eating, prompting Macbeth to say they will not go through with the plan because he has gained a good reputation recently.
Leave a Reply