Lady Macbeth A Good Wife Essay

Words: 539
Pages: 3

The concept of good can be difficult to discuss. As Hamlet relates in another famous Shakespearean tragedy, “There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so,” suggesting that what is perceived to be good is all about perspective. In William Shakespeare’s play The Tragedy of Macbeth, many readers villainize Lady Macbeth for her assertive attitude and vindictive plans; however, Lady Macbeth is ultimately a good spouse because she supports Macbeth’s ambitions, corrects his mistakes, and remains loyal to him until her tragic death.
First, Lady Macbeth is a good wife because she pushes her husband to reach his fullpotential. Macbeth is described as "valiant" and "brave" in battle and as a "worthy gentleman" (I.ii.16-24). While these actions have earned Macbeth some title and glory, there is still room for him to advance in society. This is why Lady Macbeth encourages her husband to act on the prophecy. She questions "Art thou afeard / To be the
…show more content…
She pressures Macbeth to trust her plans for “This night’s great business … / Which shall to all our nights and days to come / Give solely sovereign sway and martyrdom” (I.vii.65-67). Lady Macbeth says “our nights and days” suggesting that she will also be rewarded with power, and to some degree, convincing Macbeth to murder Duncan is good for her too. While Lady Macbeth will obviously benefit from her husband’s status in society, her true focus is on elevating her family to the status fate has ascribed to them. Upon reading Macbeth’s letter from the war front, she vows to help Macbeth with “All that impedes thee from the golden round / Which fate and metaphysical aid doth seem / To have thee crowned withal” (I.v.25-27). In short, Lady Macbeth’s initial thoughts to the news of Macbeth’s promotion and the prophecy were focused on her husband, not