The Unnatural and Lady Macbeth
Throughout Act two of Macbeth, the theme of the unnatural resurfaces many times to demonstrate nature contesting the cruel deed Macbeth committed to fulfill his selfish desires. The horrible thunderstorm on the night of the murder serves as nature's attempt to awaken King Duncan before Macbeth could harm him. In addition, a discussion between Ross and the Old Man reveals that this same night "hath trifled former knowings." They go on to describe bizarre events in nature such as horses running wild and eating each other and an owl attacking a falcon (which normally aren't even hunting at the same time). These strange events represent the unnatural nature of Macbeth's killing of his honorable guest and noble king.
Another topic I would like to discuss is the role of Lady Macbeth in act two. She seems so motivated to convince her husband to kill Duncan while, Macbeth continues to doubt his decision and even wishes Duncan would awaken after having murdered him. What is the reason for Lady Macbeth's obsession with Macbeth killing a kind king whom she saw as a father like figure. Could this obsession along Macbeth's hesitation represent the two sides of the argument that Macbeth struggles with throughout the play? This observation thus supports the claim that Lady Macbeth is just a representation of Macbeth's selfish desires.
Another topic I would like to discuss is the role of Lady Macbeth in act two. She seems so motivated to convince her husband to kill Duncan while, Macbeth continues to doubt his decision and even wishes Duncan would awaken after having murdered him. What is the reason for Lady Macbeth's obsession with Macbeth killing a kind king whom she saw as a father like figure. Could this obsession along Macbeth's hesitation represent the two sides of the argument that Macbeth struggles with throughout the play? This observation thus supports the claim that Lady Macbeth is just a representation of Macbeth's selfish desires.
Your claim is very interesting. I would just like to point out that while Lady Macbeth convinces Macbeth to kill Duncan, she was also the one who tries to prevent Macbeth from killing Banquo, such as when she says "You must leave this" (Act 2 scene 2 line 34) and must instead be happy with what they've already achieved. Therefore I wouldn't say that Lady Macbeth is just Macbeth's selfish desires. But since Lady Macbeth seems always to be the opposite of Macbeth in thought and attitude, we can probably conjecture that she is an alter-ego of Macbeth and represents Macbeth's opposite thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI had never looked at the thunderstorm as nature's way to try to wake Duncan before he was killed. That really changes my perspective on the thunderstorm. I feel as though Lady Macbeth is the reason Macbeth commits all these acts. If it were not for her constant motivation and pressure I'm not sure that most of the events would have even taken place.
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