When Lady Macbeth first hears of the Witches’ prophecy for her husband, she states that he is too cowardly to do what needs to be done, so she plans the first murder herself. After reading his letter, she begins by telling herself that he lacks the innate qualities to carry out such deeds in the following passage:

Glamis thou art, and Cawdor, and shalt be

What though art promised. Yet do I fear thy nature;

It is too full o’ th’ milk of human kindness

To catch the nearest way. Thou wouldst be great,

Art not without ambition, but without

The illness should attend it. (1. 5. 15)

Soon after she is heard asking the spirits, “Unsex me here, And fill me from the crown to the toe top-full Of direst cruelty (1. 5. 48).” In this line w

I would, while it was smiling in my face,

When Macbeth expresses concern and doubt about killing Duncan, Lady Macbeth tears into his words as if his opinion were worthless. Macbeth acknowledges that Duncan is a good man, and had helped him many times, so it would be terribly wrong to kill such a man. Lady Macbeth both denounces his manhood and uses disturbing imagery to convey her thoughts.

e understand that Lady Macbeth is asking for the traditionally male qualities of ruthlessness, lack of fear, and the means by which hideous crimes may be committed. These passages clearly convey a sense of determination, in which Lady Macbeth shows her strength and views regarding the situation at hand.

Have plucked my nipple from his boneless gums

Further on in the play, Lady Macbeth begins to feel the stresses of the situation. Even so, she encourages her husband to “Sleek o’er your rugged looks. Be bright and jovial among your guests tonight (3. 2. 31.)” That night, after Banquo’s death, Macbeth sees Banquo’s ghost at the party. Lady Macbeth’s first attempt is to dismiss her husband’s actions to the guests as one of his occasional fits. Later, however, when Macbeth continues, she dismisses every

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