How does Shakespeare develop the character of Lady Macbeth?
Lady Macbeth is initially referred to by Macbeth in his letter as “my dearest partner in greatness”. It shows that she was highly respected by her husband, and aspects of this scene and some following ones suggest she was a driving force in their relationship – she decides almost immediately that she must persuade her husband to “catch the nearest way” and to do it that night when she learns of Duncan’s impending arrival. It shows that she does not consider right and wrong an obstacle. She does, however consider a conscience an obstacle, at this point. She thinks her husband is “too full of the milk of human kindness” and she calls on evil spirits to suppress her conscience. It can possibly be suggested that because she wanted to suppress her conscience, she did actually have one, but saw it as a negative, rather than a positive. That she needs to take alcohol to go through with the plan is another indication of this “That which hath made them drunk hath made me bold” – she wants somet
