The Relationship Between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in Act...

How is the theme of the influence of women on men explored in Act I, scene vii of Shakespeare’s Macbeth? An old proverb states that behind every successful man stands a strong woman. Surprisingly for a play set in the Middle Ages, like William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, this saying remains valid. The renowned tragedy chronicles the downfall of Macbeth, a distinguished warrior who yields to the corrupting force of his ambition for the Scottish throne. In his malevolent quest for power, he is accompanied, if not firmly guided, by his ruthless wife. Indeed, in Act I, scene vii Macbeth has almost renounced to murder of the king, but Lady Macbeth reinforces his determination to commit the regicide. Through her manipulative strategies in this†¦show more content†¦Lady Macbeth strengthens her mental prevalence over her husband by bolstering his self-confidence. One can easily trace how she casts doubts over Macbeth’s initial judgments, reassures him of the murder’s success, and redirects his confidence towards their malicious deed. In the soliloquy at the beginning of Scene vii, Macbeth presents several important reasons for not killing Duncan and ends with the resolute: â€Å"We will proceed no further in this business† (l. 31). Later, his strength of will diminishes significantly as suggested by his weak groan: â€Å"If we should fail?† (l. 59). Finally, his wife’s rhetoric has obliterated all the previous scruples: â€Å"I am settled† (l. 79). Indeed, these three quotations indicate the gradual but dramatic change in Macbeth’s values under Lady Macbeth’s influence. From a hesitant individual, wavering between loyalty and ambition, gratitude and desire, Macbeth has retained his self-confidence with his wife’s help. Moreover, the Thane of Cawdor has learned so much from his wife’s imperturbability that he participates actively in the scheming by suggesting using the guards’ daggers. The new confidence, with which Macbeth speaks about the plan, proves that Lady Macbeth’s metho ds of manipulation have achieved the desirable effect. By bringing composure and safety to her husband, she finally pushes him down theShow MoreRelatedJourney into Night by Eugene ONeill and Macbeth by William Shakespeare925 Words   |  4 Pagessounds and sights; gruesome acts and frightening ghosts like Macbeth? Or would you write about a seemingly normal family from the outside, where the unknown hides from behind common decisions and objects. First and foremost, Long Day Journey into night by Eugene Oneill and Macbeth by Shakespeare share a common theme with each other. The characters in both of these dramas lack communication with one another. Let’s examine Macbeth first. 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