Lady Macbeth: A Complex Portrait in "The Tragedy of Macbeth"

William Shakespeare's "The Tragedy of Macbeth" features Lady Macbeth as a central and enigmatic character. Her complex personality is marked by ambition, ruthlessness, and an enduring sense of mystery. In this essay, we will delve into the multifaceted role of Lady Macbeth within the context of Shakespearean times, as analyzed by Joan Larsen Klein in her essay "Lady Macbeth: Infirm of Purpose." We will explore how Lady Macbeth grapples with societal expectations, her quest for power, and her ultimate descent into guilt and madness.

The Shakespearian Woman

During Shakespearean times, societal norms and expectations for women were markedly different from those of today.

Women were often regarded as inferior to men and were expected to conform to prescribed roles as obedient wives and mothers. Klein's thesis, as articulated in her essay, underscores the challenges that Lady Macbeth faces in reconciling her ambitious, power-seeking nature with the societal norms of her era.

Klein's central argument can be summarized by her statement that, "Lady Macbeth, despite her attempt to unsex herself, is never able to separate herself completely from womankind—unlike her husband, who becomes less and worse than a man" (169).

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Klein contends that while Lady Macbeth strives to adopt stereotypically male qualities such as aggression and ruthlessness to empower herself in the quest to assassinate King Duncan, she remains unable to shed her innate female traits, including kindness, innocence, and vulnerability.

Throughout the play, Klein provides various examples to support her assertion that women during this era were perceived as inherently inferior and less accountable than men, whether they adhered to their husbands' directives or pursued their own destinies.

The Temptation and Fall

At the outset of "Macbeth," Lady Macbeth is introduced as a character who deviates from the typical female roles of her time.

Her ambition and manipulation of her husband illustrate a departure from traditional femininity. Klein draws a parallel between Lady Macbeth's temptation to commit sin and Eve's temptation by the serpent in the Garden of Eden. Klein contends that both women are seen as weaker vessels susceptible to temptation, thus highlighting the prevailing notion of women's perceived fragility and susceptibility to evil forces.

As the play progresses, Lady Macbeth's initial portrayal as a powerful and evil figure begins to erode, revealing her vulnerability to temptation and guilt. Following King Duncan's murder, Klein observes that, "Only Lady Macbeth now suffers the repetition of the horror of Duncan's death" (176). Her guilt and mental anguish expose her feminine weaknesses, in stark contrast to her husband's ability to suppress his guilt and remorse.

Loss of Position

Klein also highlights the shift in Lady Macbeth's societal standing and role within her home. After Macbeth ascends to the throne, Lady Macbeth's position becomes increasingly marginalized. Klein notes, "There is no room for her [Lady Macbeth] in the exclusive male world of treason and revenge" (174). This assertion reflects the prevailing view of women as incapable of participating in deviant behaviors, as evidenced by Lady Macbeth's exclusion from Macbeth's treacherous plans.

Klein further asserts that Lady Macbeth loses her role as a housekeeper and accomplice once Macbeth gains confidence and authority. Her diminishing influence underscores the limited agency afforded to women in Shakespearean society, where they were often relegated to secondary roles and considered unfit for involvement in political and treacherous affairs.

Conclusion

Joan Larsen Klein's analysis of Lady Macbeth in Shakespeare's "The Tragedy of Macbeth" sheds light on the complex interplay between individual ambition, societal expectations, and gender roles during the Elizabethan era. Through Klein's examination, we gain insight into the inequalities that existed between men and women during this period, as well as the challenges faced by women who defied societal norms.

Lady Macbeth's character serves as a compelling illustration of the tensions between individual agency and societal constraints. Her descent into guilt and madness reflects the societal perception of women as inherently weaker and more susceptible to the consequences of their actions.

As we reflect on Lady Macbeth's character and her struggle to reconcile her ambition with the constraints of her time, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics that shaped women's roles in Shakespearean society. While Lady Macbeth's quest for power ultimately leads to her downfall, her character remains a poignant symbol of the enduring struggle for agency and autonomy in a world where societal expectations often dictated one's fate.