Why Lady Macbeth was So Bitter and Angry: The Depth of Ambition

In the ambitious and tumultuous world of Shakespeare's Macbeth, one character stands out as a force to be reckoned with: Lady Macbeth. Her bitter and angry demeanor is a manifestation of deep-seated ambition, both for herself and for her husband, King Macbeth. Let's explore the reasons behind her intense feelings and actions.

Double Ambition: Her Husband and Herself

At the outset of the play, Lady Macbeth is characterized by an overwhelming ambition, which not only drives her to ensure her husband achieves his desires but also to fulfill her own ambitions. She famously declares, 'Had it been she who had been so promised,/Abhors those that would make love partners of necessity,/And trace the fair work through, and pair of worthy, to???

The profound ambition that drives Lady Macbeth isn't confined to Macbeth alone. It is a dual ambition, intertwining her goals with those of her husband. Her words to Macbeth, 'I have given thee deeds Transgressing the limits of those dreams of thee'/That on thy soul now dwell,' reflect her belief in her ability to guide and mold her husband to achieve greatness. She sees herself as indispensable, believing that without her, the prophecy would not come to fruition (Act 1, Scene 5).

Power and Control

Lady Macbeth’s intense desire for power and control is a driving factor in her bitterness and anger. Her ambition isn't just a wish for her husband’s success; it's a hunger for power and influence in her own right. She suggests to Macbeth, 'Now does my heart gdmply leap to think/That I the thing I so dread do but abide/And come to borrow from him.' This reference to 'borrowing' from Macbeth implies that she craves a position of dominance and control over him (Act 1, Scene 7).

Lady Macbeth is unable to fully trust her own capacity for darkness. This insecurity is a source of her bitterness. In Act 1, Scene 7, she questions why Macbeth cannot follow through with the plan, asserting, 'My grave is ready… What need we keep/The (mortal) tempest of this physical fear?'/All hail, Macbeth'’ (Act 1, Scene 7). Her inability to straightforwardly take the necessary actions even comes as a betrayal to her initial ambitions.

The Witch’s Influence

The witches play a critical role in fueling Lady Macbeth’s ambition and, by extension, her bitterness and anger. Their prophecies plant seeds of desire and fear in Lady Macbeth, making her willing to employ any means necessary to achieve her goals. The witches’ words, ‘All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Glamis!/All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor!/All hail, Macbeth! That shalt be king hereafter!’ (Act 1, Scene 3) ignite Lady Macbeth’s ambition, encouraging her to act on her desires.

However, the witches’ influence goes beyond these prophecies. Their ominous presence and the fulfillment of their first prophecy create a disturbing atmosphere, affecting Lady Macbeth’s mental state and, consequently, her behavior. This influence leads to her intense pride and her belief in the necessity of violence to secure her future. ‘When blood is drawn from the peccant causes such, It does reflect the melancholy of a mind./Thou stealest my authority and hast put/Ent’red upon me, like a thief in the night’ (Act 2, Scene 2).

Mental and Emotional Turmoil

Lady Macbeth’s journey from a seemingly powerful and ambitious queen to a mentally and emotionally distressed woman mirrors the consequences of unchecked ambition. By the end of the play, Lady Macbeth’s ambition has become a form of mental torment. Her fear of the unknown and the fear of losing power lead her to question her own sanity. ‘My hands are of your color; but I shame to wear a heart so white./Tears in her eyes, she wavers and her soul is torn by doubts’ (Act 5, Scene 1).

Conclusion: The Price of Ambition

In her pursuit of power and success, Lady Macbeth’s bitter and angry demeanor serves as a cautionary tale about the deep and often destructive nature of ambition. Her story underscores the importance of balancing one’s desires with their moral and ethical implications. Whether for her husband or herself, Lady Macbeth’s ambition is what ultimately leads her to tragedy.

Through Lady Macbeth, Shakespeare masterfully explores the limits of ambition and the personal costs of fulfilling one’s desires at any cost. Her complicated character offers a glimpse into the darker aspects of the human psyche, reinforcing the theme that true victory comes not from external achievements but from a balance of strength and morality.