Presentation of Lady Macbeth in Shakespeare´s Macbeth

Diane Mariechild, the author of ‘Mother Wit’ and ‘Inner Dance’ once said, “A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform.” Shakespeare’s portrayal of Lady Macbeth stands in contrast with the typical imagery of women during Jacobean times. Though Lady Macbeth does not create, nurture, and transform, she is depicted as a duplicitous character as the play progresses. Initially, Shakespeare presents Lady Macbeth as manipulative and ambitious, but as the plot progresses, she is also portrayed as a weak lady unable to influence Macbeth.
To begin with, Shakespeare exemplifies Lady Macbeth as a calculating lady throughout the play; by being evil, cunning, and masculine. For instance, immediately after reading of the witches’ prophecy, the idea of King Duncan’s murder does not disturb her. Alternatively, she starts scheming the possible assassination of King Duncan, executed by her husband. She imagines “the future in the instant” (1.5 56)--Lady Macbeth does not care how she realizes her ambition; she cleverly persuades Macbeth to commit the murder. While harboring murderous thoughts, Lady Macbeth exhibits false courtesy to Duncan just to secure his trust with the Macbeths. Therefore, even when her husband wavers, Lady Macbeth remains determined with her plans and manipulates her husband by using emotional blackmail. Additionally, she does not panic during the regicide; this demonstrates that she is in control over the situation. Lady Macbeth then asks Macbeth to “go carry [The daggers] and smear/ The sleepy grooms with blood” (2.2 52-3). When he refuses, she shows no hesitation and takes (the) daggers herself. Lastly, Lady Macbeth asks to “unsex me” (1.5 39). Being a woman means that she is at risk...

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...less gums/ And dashed the brains out” (1.7 56-8) Lastly, Lady Macbeth wants complete dominance throughout the whole process as she does not listen to Macbeth’s fears. Although Macbeth is worried that he might get caught, Lady Macbeth pushes him to execute the crime. She is fearless of the consequences Macbeth might have to face. Thus, Lady Macbeth exemplified in Act 1 Scene 7 is typical of her because she is dominant and she is persuasive. Moreover, she has no qualms in (to?) using strong language and cruel imagery to get Macbeth to commit the regicide.
In conclusion, Shakespeare portrays Lady Macbeth as a strong and shrewd woman, later to become a powerless and remorseful woman. Also, The passage from Act 1 Scene 7 is typical of Lady Macbeth--she ultimately dominates the conversation, she takes control of the plans, and she uses several methods to exhort Macbeth.