How does William Shakespeare present Lady Macbeth and Macbeths relationship before and after Duncans murder?
Happy New Year to you, too. Prior to the murder, they seem to have a close relationship, or at least one where both hold each other in regard. MacBeth addresses her as “my dearest partner in greatness” – a huge deal of respect to show a woman at that time. He also writes informing her of the victory and the witches’ prophecies. He considers it her right to know of his new title (Cawdor) and his future one – he truly considers her a valued partner. Lady MacBeth is quite a driving force in the relationship at this point – while murder may have occurred to MacBeth, it is she who decides upon it as the best course of action. While he vacillates over whether to murder Duncan, it is Lady MacBeth who eventually convinces him to commit the murder. Immediately after the murder, it is she who prevents suspicion falling on MacBeth, when he is waxing lyrical about Duncan’s blood. However, when MacBeth has overcome his horror, he consults his wife less and less – she doesn’t seem aware beforehand o
