Introduction
This essay examines the assertion that Lady Macbeth bears greater guilt than Macbeth for the murder of King Duncan in Shakespeare’s tragedy, *Macbeth*. While Macbeth physically commits the act, Lady Macbeth’s role as the primary instigator raises questions about her culpability. Through psychological manipulation, strategic planning, and relentless ambition, she drives Macbeth towards regicide. This discussion will explore these influences, arguing that although Lady Macbeth does not wield the dagger, her actions and words make her at least equally, if not more, responsible for the crime. By analysing key scenes and critical interpretations, the essay will assess the extent of her guilt in comparison to Macbeth’s own agency.
Lady Macbeth as the Catalyst of Ambition
Lady Macbeth’s initial influence is evident when she first learns of the witches’ prophecy that Macbeth will become king. Her immediate reaction is to plot Duncan’s murder, revealing a ruthless ambition that surpasses Macbeth’s initial hesitation. In Act 1, Scene 5, she prays to be filled with “direst cruelty” and implores dark forces to “unsex” her, rejecting traditional feminine traits in favour of cold determination (Shakespeare, 1606). This moment underscores her readiness to transgress moral boundaries, a stark contrast to Macbeth’s wavering conscience. As Holinshed’s *Chronicles*—a key source for Shakespeare—suggests, historical accounts of Lady Macbeth’s counterpart depict her as fiercely ambitious, a trait Shakespeare amplifies (Holinshed, 1587). Her unyielding desire for power arguably sets the entire tragedy in motion, positioning her as more culpable from the outset.
Psychological Manipulation and Control
Furthermore, Lady Macbeth employs psychological tactics to erode Macbeth’s resistance. When he expresses doubts in Act 1, Scene 7, stating, “We will proceed no further in this business,” she questions his manhood, accusing him of cowardice with biting remarks such as “Art thou afeard?” (Shakespeare, 1606). This emasculation is a calculated move, exploiting societal expectations of masculinity to push Macbeth into action. Critics like Bradley (1904) argue that her manipulation reveals a deeper guilt, as she deliberately overrides Macbeth’s moral hesitation, making her the architect of his downfall (Bradley, 1904). Her influence here is not merely suggestive but coercive, demonstrating a level of control that implicates her heavily in the crime.
Strategic Planning of the Murder
In addition to emotional manipulation, Lady Macbeth takes a practical role in orchestrating Duncan’s murder. She devises the plan to drug the king’s guards and frame them for the act, instructing Macbeth on every detail in Act 1, Scene 7 (Shakespeare, 1606). Her foresight and clarity of purpose contrast with Macbeth’s initial reluctance, suggesting that without her intervention, the murder might never have occurred. Indeed, as Adelman (1992) notes, Lady Macbeth’s logistical involvement makes her an active participant, not a mere encourager, thereby amplifying her guilt (Adelman, 1992). This hands-on approach arguably renders her more responsible, as she transforms ambition into actionable conspiracy.
Comparison of Guilt and Agency
However, it is crucial to acknowledge Macbeth’s own agency in the act. He ultimately chooses to kill Duncan, and his subsequent murders—such as that of Banquo—demonstrate an independent descent into tyranny. While Lady Macbeth’s influence is undeniable in the initial crime, Macbeth’s actions suggest he internalises and expands upon her ambition. Some scholars, like Knights (1933), argue that Macbeth’s susceptibility to influence does not absolve him of responsibility, as he retains the capacity to resist (Knights, 1933). This perspective complicates the notion of Lady Macbeth’s greater guilt, though her role as the instigator remains significant. Her influence, while powerful, operates within the bounds of Macbeth’s own moral weakness, raising questions about shared culpability.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lady Macbeth’s guilt in Duncan’s murder is arguably greater than Macbeth’s due to her role as the driving force behind the act. Through her unbridled ambition, psychological manipulation, and strategic planning, she transforms Macbeth’s latent desire for power into a concrete crime. Although Macbeth bears responsibility for wielding the dagger and later acts independently, Lady Macbeth’s initial influence is pivotal. This analysis suggests that her culpability lies not in the physical act but in her ability to corrupt and compel. The implications of this dynamic invite further exploration into gender roles and moral responsibility in Shakespeare’s work, highlighting the complexity of guilt in *Macbeth*. Ultimately, while both characters are complicit, Lady Macbeth’s foundational role in instigating the murder positions her as profoundly guilty, if not more so, than her husband.
References
- Adelman, J. (1992) Suffocating Mothers: Fantasies of Maternal Origin in Shakespeare’s Plays. Routledge.
- Bradley, A. C. (1904) Shakespearean Tragedy: Lectures on Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth. Macmillan.
- Holinshed, R. (1587) Chronicles of England, Scotland, and Ireland. Printed by Henry Denham.
- Knights, L. C. (1933) How Many Children Had Lady Macbeth? An Essay in the Theory and Practice of Shakespeare Criticism. Gordon Fraser.
- Shakespeare, W. (1606) Macbeth. First Folio Edition, 1623.
