Sabrina Chen

English Per. A
Dunlap
9/23/13
In Control: Lady Macbeth or Macbeth?

In a relationship, does the husband or wife have more control? Usually, its either
one or the other. However, power sometimes changes from one person to another. In
Macbeth, the power shifts from Lady Macbeth to Macbeth, as seen when Duncan,
Banquo, and Lady Macduff are killed.
In the killing of Duncan, Lady Macbeth has more power in the relationship. She
first brings up the subject of murder and takes control of the plan. When Macbeth
doesnt give support fully, she tells him, Only look up clear; / To alter favour ever is to
fear/ leave all the rest to me. (13). This shows that she has and wants complete
domination of the assassination. Later that night, Macbeth wants to cancel the plan. She
responds by yelling, Wouldst thou have that / Which thou esteemst the ornament of
life, / And live a coward in thine own esteem (16). macbeth immediately becomes
decided, due to Lady Macbeths convincing. This displays her influence on Macbeth.
Macbeth does not argue with her, demonstrating her strength.
The power starts shifting on the killing of Banquo. This time, Macbeth comes up
with the plan to murder him. Lady Macbeth now asks Macbeth what to do after he talks
about Banquo and his son Fleance still being alive. Macbeth tells her his idea. And with
thy bloody and invisible hand / Cancel and tear to pieces that great bond/ Which keeps
me pale! (39). He states that he wants to kill his fear (Banquo). Before Lady Macbeth
can object or give her opinion, he continues. Thou marvellst at my words: but hold thee
still; / Things had begun make strong themselves by ill: / So, prithee, go with me (39).

This shows that he doesnt care about Lady Macbeths approval, indicated his power
over her. The transfer of control is evident in the event.
Lady Macduff is killed by Macbeth without Lady Macbeth knowing before.
Macbeth announces he will kill everyone he wants to, since he is already at a point
where he cannot stop. From this moment / The firstlings of my heart shall be / The
firstlings of my hand (56). This demonstrates that he is now at a point where he has so
much power in the relationship that he can start executing who he wants to immediately
without telling his wife first. Later, Lady Macbeth sleepwalks and goes insane, as she
keeps trying to wash off the blood off her hand. She sleeptalks, The thane of Fife had a
wife; where is she now? What, will these hands never be clean? (70). She refers to the
wife of Macduff, and partially thinks that its her fault for Macbeth doing all these things.
She loses control of everything, including her power over Macbeth in their relationship.
Later, she supposedly commits suicide.
Lady Macbeths downfall is related to Macbeths growing strength. There is a
tremendous transition of control from Lady Macbeth to Macbeth by the murders of
Duncan, Banquo, and Lady Macduff. Losing and gaining power has its downsides,
ending in death and wipe-out.