At the beginning of the play, Macbeth suffers from qualms of conscience. Lady Macbeth does not suffer from this. As the play progresses, the roles are reversed. Do you agree with this? Answer with evidence from the text.
As the play begins, Lady Macbeth truly plays the role of the harsh, commanding partner, pushing and manipulating Macbeth in performing immoral acts. However, as the play continues, Macbeth becomes bolder and merciless, while Lady Macbeth descends into insanity and is haunted by what she and Macbeth have committed.
Wild thoughts are inserted into Macbeth's mind after Lady Macbeth encourages him verbally and insults him subtly. Macbeth suffers from qualms of conscience and does not desire to do any of the acts that had been suggested to him, but gradually the temptation of power and the manipulation by Lady Macbeth persuades Macbeth to kill King Duncan. She urges Macbeth to hide his intentions behind welcoming looks.
Ellen Terry as Lady Macbeth by John Singer Sargent...
The English actor Charles Kean as William Shakespe...
Sarah Siddons in the Sleepwalking Scene"Your hand, your tongue; look like th'innocent flower, but the serpent under't" Even after the murder, Lady Macbeth is ruthless and cold-blooded removing evidence systematically and in a calm demeanour. On the other hand, Macbeth is in panic and unsure of himself, shaken from what he has done. Lady Macbeth scolds and attacks him for being vulnerable and asserts herself as the more dominant in the partnership. "My hands are of your colour, but I shame to wear a heart so white."
After this, the roles are slowly reversed and Macbeth edges towards what Lady Macbeth once was. He systematically starts removing everyone in his way, starting with Banquo and Fleance. No longer straight-forward and honest, Macbeth becomes devious and subtlety inquires Banquo to understand what he is going to be up to, and attempts to track where a potential enemy is going. Encouraged by his...