Irrationality In Shakespeare's Macbeth

I would say Lady Macbeth is irrational, but that essay would never end. In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the mental deterioration and eventual downfall of Macbeth is often attributed to the actions of his wife, Lady Macbeth. While Macbeth initially seems uninterested in killing Duncan, it is Lady Macbeth who encourages him to follow through and take various actions to secure the throne. After murdering Duncan, Macbeth becomes hooked, and applies this behavior elsewhere, killing those who stand in his path to rule. Because of this, Lady Macbeth is seen as an irrational monster, whose ruthless encouragement causes Macbeth to commit heinous acts throughout the play. Lady Macbeth, however, is misunderstood, and her true character is masked by Macbeth’s

As well, the word “partner” suggests that the love in the relationship is mutual, and the two support each other. Had Lady Macbeth been the cruel monster that many suggest, it is unreasonable to believe that a then-rational Macbeth would care for her so much. Also seen in this quotation is Macbeth’s excitement regarding the prophecy of him being king, in which he urges Lady Macbeth to rejoice over. These various professions of love ameliorate Lady Macbeth’s behavior, as her advice to murder Duncan is simply supporting her husband’s ambitions which he eagerly expresses to her. Another instance which showcases the strong relationship between the two is when Lady Macbeth is talking Macbeth into murdering Duncan, and states, “Such I account thy love” (I.vii.43). By addressing Macbeth in this way, she showcases how their love for each other is truly mutual, therefore further justifying her advice for Macbeth as being based on love, rather than a cruel hidden motive. While some may argue that Lady Macbeth’s relationship with her husband does not justify her persuading him to kill Duncan, it rationalizes her behavior, as her wifely care was what drove her to convince Macbeth to commit

As any truly loving spouse would, Lady Macbeth supports her husband in his hopes and desires, and therefore persuades him to take the necessary actions to reach these goals. Their status as lovers bolsters this theory, and is solidified by the way in which they address each other, using words that express their love. As well as having a strong relationship to Macbeth, Lady Macbeth deeply loves and respects her family, seen when she fails to kill Duncan because of his resemblance to her father, in a clear show of rationale and emotions. In further support of her rationale, Lady Macbeth later feels remorse and guilt over advising Macbeth to commit murder, feelings which would not be present had she been crazed and murderous. Although many are quick to judge Lady Macbeth as a cruel, ill-intentioned monster, her clear reasoning for every action and the presence of a rational moral compass reveal that she is simply a human, with various strengths and