Lady Macbeth

• Who is Lady Macbeth in relation to Macbeth?

  She is Macbeth's wife
• Why is Lady Macbeth considered an important character?

  She influences Macbeth, especially early on
• What traits define Lady Macbeth's ambition?

  She commits terrible crimes for her goals
• How does Lady Macbeth's character change throughout the play?

  She becomes less dominant and more guilt-ridden
• What does Lady Macbeth persuade Macbeth to do?

  To kill King Duncan
• What does Lady Macbeth ask to be filled with?

  Direst cruelty
• What does Lady Macbeth mean by "look like th'innocent flower"?

  She suggests appearing innocent while being deceitful
• What does Lady Macbeth mean by "be the serpent under 't"?

  She implies being treacherous while appearing innocent
• What is Lady Macbeth troubled by?

  Thick coming fancies
• How does Lady Macbeth react after Macbeth commits murder?

  She is driven mad by guilt
• What happens to Lady Macbeth as Macbeth distances himself from her?

  She ultimately kills herself
• Why does Lady Macbeth kill herself?

  She can't live with their actions
• What is the primary reason for Lady Macbeth's madness?

  Guilt from their actions
• Who is as ambitious as Macbeth?

  Lady Macbeth
• What does Lady Macbeth assume when she reads Macbeth's letter?

  They need to kill Duncan
• How does Lady Macbeth view Macbeth's goodness?

  She sees it as a weakness
• What does Lady Macbeth mean by "too full o'th'milk of human kindness"?

  His goodness makes him a coward
• What does Lady Macbeth think about ordinary women?

  No ordinary woman would plan murder
• What does Lady Macbeth ask the spirits to do to her?

  To "unsex" her and fill her with cruelty
• How does Lady Macbeth manipulate Macbeth?

  By using his ambition and fear of cowardice
• What theme is represented by Lady Macbeth's character?

  Good and Evil
• What does Lady Macbeth link masculinity to?

  Strength and violence
• What does Shakespeare demonstrate about women through Lady Macbeth?

  Women can be ruthless and cold-hearted
• What does Lady Macbeth think about Macbeth's ambition?

  She believes it is not strong enough
• Who comes up with the plot to drug Duncan's servants?

  Lady Macbeth
• What does Lady Macbeth plan to do to frame Duncan's servants?

  Drug them and smear them with blood
• What does Lady Macbeth's plot reveal about her character?

  She is clever, cruel, and heartless
• What does Lady Macbeth do when Duncan's murder is discovered?

  She faints
• Why might Lady Macbeth's fainting be considered a pretence?

  It distracts from Macbeth's unconvincing speech
• How does Lady Macbeth explain Macbeth's behavior when he sees Banquo's ghost?

  She says his fit is momentary and a condition
• What role does Lady Macbeth play in controlling the situation after Duncan's murder?

  She covers up Macbeth's strange behavior
• What theme is represented by Lady Macbeth's actions regarding reality and appearance?

  • Reality vs. Appearance theme
  • Lady Macbeth pretends to be weak
  • Hides her cruel nature behind stereotypes
• How does Shakespeare use Lady Macbeth in his works?

  To explore gender and power dynamics
• What traditional view of women does Shakespeare challenge through Lady Macbeth?

  That women are kinder and weaker than men
• What does Lady Macbeth say she would do to prove her ambition?

  Kill her own baby if sworn to do it
• How does Shakespeare contrast Lady Macbeth with Lady Macduff?

  Lady Macbeth is ambitious, Lady Macduff is nurturing
• What does Lady Macbeth believe weakens women?

  Their maternal instincts
• What does Lady Macbeth ask the spirits to take from her?

  Her milk for gall
• What does Lady Macbeth's desire to lose her femininity signify?

  Her ambition to gain power
• What does Lady Macbeth's inability to kill Duncan reveal about her character?

  She has a softer side and emotional ties