Macbeth: themes and analysis

Macbeth: Letter of Truth

In William Shakespeare's play, Macbeth, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth share an interesting relationship. While we see them operating together through most of the play, there is no denying she encourages him through the most difficult action in the play. Without her, the play would not exist as it does. Early in the play, Shakespeare establishes the importance of Lady Macbeth to the relationship as she reads and responds to her husband's letter. She is the cunning one in the relationship; she is the strong one. By presenting this early in the play, Shakespeare reveals how their relationship is extraordinary in that the wife has a voice in the relationship. Macbeth trusts his wife and this letter exposes that trust. It also exposes Lady Macbeth's awareness of her husband's trust and her capability of abusing that trust.

Macbeth's letter to lady Macbeth reveals much about his personality as well as their relationship. He is honest with his wife and this honesty allows us to see his ambition and love. We know that Macbeth trust his wife because he takes the time to correspond with her about the details of experience. He also calls his/her "his partner of greatness" (Shakespeare I.v.10). He mentions the crown to his wife; therefore, we become aware of his ambition. Macbeth encourages his wife, telling her not to lose faith in him. He mentions the Weirs Sisters and their prophecy, an act that also reveals his truth in her. Macbeth's world is one that makes room for the supernatural and his letter is full of promise of hope for the future.

Lady Macbeth's reaction to Macbeth's letter reveals her true character. She begins to fear that he is too nice for his own good, noting his nature is "full o' th' milk of human kindness" (I.v.16). She knows he desires to be king but she also knows that he might never think of murder to reach the throne. It is not above her to suggest it to him because she knows what it takes to become king. Kings are not all good and she has no problem urging Macbeth to do what it takes. Lady Macbeth is a controlling woman. There is no doubt she loves her husband and this love allows her to manipulate him. She also knows he might need a little manipulation if he is to kill for the crown. This scene illustrates the difference between Lady Macbeth and her husband. She sees the big picture and the risks involved with getting what she wants. She understands those risks and accepts them as mere obstacles. In this light, she is cold and calculating. She is afraid of nothing and is quick to pray for what it takes:

Come, you spirits

That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here

And fill me from the crown to the toe top-full

Of direst cruelty. (I.v.38 -- 41)

She knows she lives in a man's world but that does not deter her in the least. She will simply use her husband to get what she wants and she has no doubt that she can do this. She knows he needs her support, however. Later, she tells him, "But screw your courage to the sticking-place / And we'll not fail" (I.vii.64-5). Her support is crucial because it allows him to see them operating as the couple even though he will be the one that draws blood.