MACBETH LITERARY ESSAY How Does Lady Macbeth Overcome Macbeth’s Resistance To The Murder Of Duncan? In Macbeth, William Shakespeare portrays Lady Macbeth as a strong-willed, ambitious woman, even more so than her husband. Infact, Lady Macbeth is considered more brutal and ruthless than Macbeth as she shreds his conscience to pieces, finally convincing him to fulfill his ambition by murdering King Duncan. After deep contemplation Macbeth decides not to murder Duncan, fearing the ‘even-handed …showed first 75 words of 474 total…

…showed last 75 words of 474 total…with fairest show” thus concealing their murderous plans. Here Shakespeare implements the theme of ‘confusion of appearance and reality’ as they scheme to camouflage their ignoble intentions. Ultimately it is Lady Macbeth’s confident and domineering approach that shatters Macbeth’s resistance. Her assurances of success and reminders of the noble dividends of this “great quell” seem to erase all apprehensions from Macbeth’s mind, finally convincing him to fulfill that “prophetic greeting”. THE END