Hannah Reeve

9EN06
Macbeth Practice Essay
What insights does Act 1 Scene 5 reveal about the relationship between Macbeth and Lady
Macbeth? In your response include an analysis of how these insights are revealed by
referring to the language and dramatic features in this scene.
In Shakespeares renowned tragedy, Macbeth, the reader is invited to explore the complex yet
intricate relationship between the protagonist, Macbeth and his spouse, known as Lady
Macbeth. Although discussion of their marriage and relationship is not hugely prevalent in all
scenes of the play, it is undoubtedly noticeable in Act 1, Scene 5 during Macbeth and Lady
Macbeths lengthy exchange. Within this scene, Shakespeare provides an insight into the
relationship of these two individuals, revealing that they have a somewhat equal relationship,
which was unusual at the time, the fact that Lady Macbeth is the more superior figure in the
marriage as well as the concept of emasculation of Macbeth by his wife.
In the era in which Shakespeare wrote this play, equality was an unheard of concept with men
being the competent, authoritative figures in all relationships; the women meek and quiet
characters with few roles other than to bear children and care for the home. Shakespeare
challenges the status quo as such when painting Lady Macbeth and Macbeths relationship to
be one of equality, where both partners have equal dominance and status so to speak. This
concept of equality is demonstrated in the excerpt from Lady Macbeths soliloquy as she
recites, This have I thought good to deliver thee, my dearest partner of greatness.
Shakespeare has utilized the dramatic technique of a soliloquy, as Lady Macbeth appears to
be talking to herself whilst on stage. This technique displays Lady Macbeths innermost
thoughts as she reads aloud the letter sent by her husband. The importance of this quote lies
solely in the words, my dearest partner, implying that both he and Lady Macbeth are of
equal social status, and are in fact partners; a concept which was unheard of in noble
Elizabethan families. Emotive language in the form of dearest and greatness has been used
also to express Macbeths apparent love for his partner. In Act 1 Scene 5, the audience is
provided an insight into the fact that Lady Macbeth and Macbeths relationship is one of an
equal status and resembles more of a modern day courtship than those existing in medieval
Europe.
Furthermore, this scene reveals the dominance of Lady Macbeth within their relationship as
she is highlighted as being the one with the most power and assertiveness. This can be shown
as she appears to scrutinize Macbeths character as if he were present, stating, Yet do I fear
thy nature. It is too full othmilk of human kindness. The language convention of a
metaphor is used to relate Macbeths so-called kindness with the milk from a woman. This
gives the idea that Macbeth is too weak and would struggle to murder Duncan, much like a
child. To Lady Macbeth, the "milk of human kindness" is distasteful and no self-respecting
man would have any use for it. Lady Macbeth is ambitious, and fears that her milky husband
lacks the inner strength to grab the Scottish crown in the most expeditious manner; by
murdering the current King. Lady Macbeth is more inclined to murderous blood than
nurturing milk. Later, goading the hesitant Macbeth, she insists that, if she had sworn to do it,
she wouldn't have hesitated to take her own baby "while it was smiling in my face" and to
"Have pluck'd my nipple from his boneless gums,/ And dash'd the brains out." This gory and
horrific use of imagery brings forth a grotesque image in the mind of the reader and is
evidence of Lady Macbeths assertiveness in the relationship. Shakespeare has also
encompassed the use of dramatic irony to aid the audiences knowledge of the plot to murder

Hannah Reeve
9EN06
Duncan whilst leaving the fellow character oblivious to this dark concept. Considering these
quotes, one is able to determine Lady Macbeths status as a dominant figure in her
relationship with her husband; an idea which Act 1 Scene 5 provides great insight into.
Moreover, Macbeth is initially portrayed as the quintessential tragic hero whose successes are
blown out of proportion and described in a dramatic manor. Despite this, in this specific
scene we are shown the repeated questioning of Macbeth as this heroic, manly figure by the
emasculation of his character by Lady Macbeth. Manhood, for most of the characters in
Macbeth, is tied to the ideals of strength, power and physical courage; rarely being associated
with the ideals of intelligence or moral fortitude. At several points in the play, the characters
goad one another into action by questioning each others manhood. Most significantly, Lady
Macbeth emasculates her husband repeatedly, knowing that in his desperation to prove his
manhood he will perform the acts she wishes of him. Macbeth echoes Lady Macbeths words
when he questions his own manhood following the death of Banquo, and after Macduffs
wife and children are killed. The quote, That wouldst thou holily, wouldst not play false, and
yet wrongly win suggests that Macbeth is not capable of committing such a crime,
questioning his manliness. Shakespeare has used the contrasting forces of Macbeths letter
written in prose and Lady Macbeths rich, poetic language when scrutinising her husband to
show the differences between these two characters. This scene provides insight into Lady
Macbeths emasculation of her husband and the flaws in their relationship.
In conclusion, Act 1 Scene 5 provides many insights into the relationship between Macbeth
and Lady Macbeth, namely being that of the equality within their relationship, Lady
Macbeths superiority and her emasculation of Macbeth. This scene gives insight into many
of the intricate details about their relationship; a constantly changing and dramatic affair
between two people with over-bearing ambition.