Macbeth-Passage Analysis

In the first Act in scene five, there is an important passage that displayed the importance of gender roles and the reversal of them. Lady Macbeth initiates the switch and she sets the tone that will occur between the relationship with her and her husband.

Lady Macbeth is worried and aprehensive of whether or not Macbeth will be capable of killing Duncan to attain his ambition to the throne. She takes on the role of being the dominant and authoritative figure while her husband possesses the traits of the woman, feeling fear, guilt and second thoughts on carrying out the plan. Macbeth withholds the actual compassion out of the two, a quality associated with women. Lady Macbeth has no remorse for her plans or actions, she believes that the means justify the ends; whereas Macbeth cannot hide his emotions and empathy for others.

In the line "unsex me here" it blatently states that Lady Macbeth wants the brutal instincts and capabilities of a man so she can execute the "direst cruelty." She wants her husband to "look like the innocent flower" to deceit Duncan and wants Macbeth to "leave all rest to me." Lady Macbeth is taking ultimate control of the situation, showing her inner dominance and ridding herself of feminine weakness.

Comparing her husband to an "innocent flower" shows how much she disregards his presence and significance in the relationship. She whole heartedly believes that she is the prominant person in the marriage and that without her, nothing would get accomplished because Macbeth does not possess the qualities of a true leader.

Lady Macbeth wants the responsiblity of managing everything; she thrives on having power over others and determing the fate of those around her. She believes in herself and is does not possess insecurity despite the fact that she is a woman, when woman held little power. Macbeth is overpowered by Lady Macbeth's qualities and because of that he begins to fade and all that he once stood for is cast aside for fear of his wife's wrath and not living up to the standard of society as being the head of the household.