Macbeth Group

Question:

brittbabygirl92
brittbabygirl92
Student
High School - 11th Grade

In Act 3, Scene 1 of Macbeth, why does Lady Macbeth and Macbeth's relationship start to get iffy?

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Posted by brittbabygirl92 on Tuesday May 5, 2009 at 4:52 PM and tagged with act 3 scene 1, lady macbeth, macbeth.

Answers:

  1. mshurn
    mshurn Teacher
    College - Freshman

    This scene marks a change in their relationship. Until now, Lady Macbeth has played a key role in encouraging her husband's ambitions, controlling his thinking, and directing him in Duncan's murder to gain the throne. In the beginning of Act III, however, Macbeth has taken control of circumstances and ordered the murders of Banquo and Fleance without his wife's knowledge or consent. He is now acting independently. In the following scene, when Lady Macbeth questions what they should do about the threat Banquo represents to them, Macbeth does not answer her directly or explain what he has already done:

    Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck,

    Till thou applaud the deed.

    From this point forward, Lady Macbeth plays no role in Macbeth's actions. All that is left for her is mental and emotional disintegration and suicide.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/macbeth/act-iii-summary-analysis
    http://www.enotes.com/macbeth/introduction
    http://www.enotes.com/macbeth/lady-macbeth-character-anal...

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    Posted by mshurn on Wednesday May 6, 2009 at 12:00 PM