WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE'S MACBETH: How does Lady Macbeth persuade Macbeth to murder Duncan?

How does Lady Macbeth persuade Macbeth to murder Duncan?

Lady Macbeth is adamant to become queen after she reads the letter that Macbeth sent to her about his unusual meeting with the witches. The letter also declares Macbeth’s promotion as the Thane of Cawdor. Lady Macbeth then delivers a vicious soliloquy that amplifies her strength and will to murder Duncan which completely overshadows Macbeth’s will to do the same.

Before Macbeth returns home, Lady Macbeth criticizes Macbeth’s flaws and feels that he will not kill the king. In Act 1 Scene 5, she says “ Yet do I fear thy nature, it is too full o’th’ milk of human kindness to catch the nearest way.” This shows that she thinks Macbeth is too noble to carry out the murder. She is afraid that Macbeth’s kind nature will threaten their chance of gaining power and achieving their goals. She plots ways to convince her husband to murder Duncan.

Firstly, she uses the form of flattery. She calls him, “Great Glamis, Worthy Cawdor, Greater than both by all hail hereafter.” Macbeth is convinced because usually wives do not address them by their titles. Lady Macbeth is manipulative and tries to increase self-pride so that he would do as she commands. She also tells him on what he could achieve once he becomes king. She tries to boost his confidence so that the plan to murder King Duncan can be executed. She agrees to take on most of the work by saying, “Leave all the rest to me.” She is afraid of giving Macbeth too much work least he spills the beans.

When Macbeth declares that he has changed hi mined to kill Duncan, Lady Macbeth is enraged. She calls him a coward and disgraces his manhood. She retorts, “When you durst do it, then you were a man” (Act 1 scene 7). She also compares his willingness to carry through the plan of murder with his ability to carry out a sexual act. “Was hope drunk where you dressed yourself……such I account thy love.” She is using aggressive rhetorical questioning and compares his commitment to the measure of his love for her. In this way, she makes Macbeth guilty.

Lady Macbeth tries to conceive n image of a mother murdering her innocent child ad contrast it as a reminder of his duties as a husband. She says,” Have plucked my nipple from his boneless gums and dashed the brains out, had I so sworn as you have done to this.” It is clear that lady Macbeth’s affections are conditional and unless Macbeth gives in to her, she will continue to question his role as a protector and husband. Lastly, when Macbeth is worried of failure, she promises him that they would be successful as long as they are confident, bold and strong.

 Lady Macbeth is stronger, cold-blooded and more ambitious than her husband, Macbeth. At one point she wishes that she were a woman so that she could execute the plan herself. Even so her husband implies that she is a masculine soul in a female body, undaunted and with remarkable strength of will.

THE ROLE OF FATE IN WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE'S " ROMEO AND JULIET"

Some people may not believe that fate is something that truthfully exists in the world. This portion of the population doubts that there is anything that is actually meant to be or supposed to happen thinking that there is always a way around troubling predicaments, knowing that it isn't necessary to turn out just one certain way. They trust that whatever occurs in their lives comes as a result of the decisions that they make with their own free will. Others, however, believe that whatever happens during the course of their lives is inevitable and every event predestined and laid out before them like a roadmap to life; in other words, fate. William Shakespeare's play, Romeo and Juliet has fate as an exceptionally crucial force, pulling the characters into a more animated state. Because of fate, the play becomes tremendously thrilling and it is exactly what manages the two young lovers to meet each other in the first place. The moment that Romeo and Juliet meet is the exact incident that leads to their death, however unaware these "star-crossed lovers" are to that fact. Thus, fate is undoubtedly the most responsible influence for the couple's heartbreaking tragedy.  

    It is not merely a coincidence that Romeo and Juliet meet in the first place. A serving man comes across Romeo and Benvolio in the first act, unaware that they are Montagues, and informs them about the Capulet party: "My master is the great rich Capulet, and, if you be not / of the house of Montagues, I pray come and crush a / cup of wine" (I ii, 86-88). It is by fate that Romeo and Benvolio run into the Capulet serving man and discover the party. It is not just a simple ACCIDENT that the serving man tells the two cousins about the party at which Romeo is destined, yet unaware, that he will meet his love. Furthermore, before Romeo attends the Capulet party, he says, "Some consequence yet hanging in the stars / shall bitterly begin this fearful date" (I iv, 114-115). Romeo already predicts what the fates have in store as he says something bad might transpire if he dares to show up at the party, where he will meet Juliet. It is fate that they meet because Romeo says it himself. The final deaths of them both (Romeo and Juliet) is the "consequence" that he is talking about and the bitterness that starts the pathway to their ultimate tragedy is their first encounter, since they are supposed to be opposing enemies. For these reasons, Romeo and Juliet's first meeting is compulsory and sure to happen, fate being the most powerful force at work, determining their future. 

     Though they are the offspring of two families who have held a grudge over each other since antiquity, Romeo and Juliet are doomed to be in love. When Romeo discovers who Juliet is, he says to himself, "O dear account! My life is my foe's DEBT" (I v, 132). Despite the fact that they were born into feuding families, Romeo can't help but love Juliet because he already loves her before he discovers her true identity as a Capulet. Thereupon, it is fated that he loves Juliet even if it is forbidden. Moreover, when Juliet finds out from the nurse that Romeo is a Montague, she says, "My love sprung from my only hate! / Too early seen unknown, and known too late! / Prodigious birth of love it is to me / That I must love a loathed enemy" (I v, 152-155). Since Juliet could not see beforehand that Romeo is an enemy, by fate, she begins to love him unconditionally. However, when she finds that her true love is also her true nemesis, it is too late for her to hate Romeo. Unfortunately, she has already been sucked in my love's overpowering gravity-like pull, which cripples her chances of defeating her true destiny of being in love with Romeo. 

  It is also a result of fate that flaws agonize Friar Lawrence's plan which eventually leads to Romeo and Juliet's utmost and dire demise. For example, instead of knowing about what the friar has in mind, Romeo is informed by Balthasar about Juliet's "death": "Her body sleeps in Capel's monument, / And her immortal part with angels lives" (V I, 19-20). Though it seems like an honest ACCIDENT that Balthasar is the one to tell Romeo about the turn of events, it is more likely that fate holds a much greater influence. By fate, Balthasar comes to Romeo and tells him what he believes to be true, but the piece of information he offers is a cause of the tragedy. Friar Lawrence's plan is also ruined because Friar John is unable to deliver the message to Romeo: "I could not send it (here it is again) / Nor get a messenger to bring it thee, / So fearful were they of infection" (V iii, 14-16). Because Friar Lawrence's message is crucial to the plan he devises, the fact that it is never sent creates a major rupture that can turn out to be quite deadly. Romeo, not knowing that Juliet isn't officially dead, makes a big mistake, because he is oblivious, that leads himself and Juliet toward their impending doom. The fate put over the friar's plan leaves Romeo a desire to die, which destines Juliet and himself to their conclusive fate: death. 

    Taking into consideration that Romeo and Juliet are predetermined to meet, love and die together, fate is clearly the dominant force for the most part of the play. 

AN INSPECTOR CALLS :How does Priestley show the difference in the older generation and the younger generation?

Priestly aptly conveys the difference in attitude between the older and younger generation, In accordance with Eva Smith’s death. As we can see, Priestly shows the older generation as confident, stylish yet class conscious. On the other hand, the younger generation is aware of their responsibility as being perceptive and not giving in to social segregation. The older generation are represented by the characters Mr Birling in contrast with the younger generation characterised by Sheila, Eric Birling and Gerald Croft.

As seen in Act 1, Mr Birling is extremely selfish. He wants to protect his reputation and safeguard Birling and Co. He does not agree with the younger generation’s viewpoint when they condemn him for firing va Smith. In defiance he says, “Rubbish! If you don’t come down sharply on some of these people, they’d soon be asking for the Earth.”

This clearly shows that he is unable to accept responsibility for his part n Eva Smith’s death. In addition to this, Mr Birling is very proud of his achievement, since he has worked his way up the corporate ladder of success. He is a boastful character who threatens the inspector with his influential connections, so as to make the inspector realise his social standing. This can be observed when he makes a remark to the inspector,“Perhaps I ought to warn you he is an old friend of mine…”

The word ‘warn’ implies a threatening attitude or nature. Mr Birling shows to a less influential person. Further on, we are able to see Mr Birling’s attitude towards Eva Smith. Rather angrily, he comments to Eric,” It’s about time you learn to face a new responsibility.” This implies that Mr Birling expects the younger generation to face responsibility while he prefers to shirk his responsibility.  Through Mr Birling, Priestley is trying to convey to the audience that the older generation is more concerned about their social status in protecting their reputation and is prejudice towards the less fortunate ( Eva Smith). The audience is able to see Mr Birling in negative light as Mr Birling, whose business is actually dependant on the labour class chooses to ignore them.

While Mr Birling and Inspector Goole are continuing their conversation, Eric come in. It is evident that there is tension in Eric’s relationship with his father. Eric is embarrassed and feeling awkward when his father lectures him and Gerald saying, “ A man has to mind his own business and look after himself.” When the Inspector pinpoints that Mr Birling should accept responsibility for Eva Smith’s death, the latter denies the same prompting Eric to sarcastically comment, “ And you were saying that a man has to look after himself.” This shows that Eric is upset with his parents when they refuse to accept responsibility. It is further noticed that Eric Being of the younger generation is open to new ideas and sympathetic towards the working class. He supports Eva Smith as being a good worker because she was aggressive towards her rights as a labourer. Eric says, “ She’d a bit more spirited than the other…” This shows that he supports the worker’s cause and does not believe in class distinction. Priestley tries to show te younger generation with  positive impression as they would have been more sympathetic towards the workers and more humane in their thinking as opposed to the older generation than can only think of profits.

Sheila makes an entry after Eric has made his point clear. Sheila may have considered the condition at the workers. However, she shows compassion instinctively as she is horrified over her father’s treatment of Eva Smith. “But these girl’s aren’t cheap labour – they’re people.” This depicts that Sheila is beginning to change as she sees her father in unfavourable light. Later, Sheila is ashamed by her own part in Eva’s story. She feels full of guilt for her actions and blames herself for being responsible. “…..it was my own fault…I’m telling the truth. I accept you’ve done things you’re ashamed at too” This shows Sheila is able to examine her conscience and be ashamed of her role in Eva’s death. She is wiser because she has admitted her responsibility and accepted her own wrongdoings. Through this, Priestley is able to convey the fact that although the younger generation tend to behave irresponsible towards the lower class women like Eva . They can experience a self -realisation that they are guilty.  As we can see Sheila is full of remorse.

  Gerald knew Daisy Renton when the Inspector mentioned Eva Smith’s name. He is an aristocrat, similar to Mr Birling, who wants to protect his own interest. He is not willing to take responsibility of his hand in the girl’s death because he wants to pretend he never new her. “There is nothing to be concerned,” I’ve never known Eva Smith!” This shows that he feels that if he was to get involved, he will lose his status quo and although he may be sympathetic, he looks at Eva Smith at being a vulnerable woman who could amuse and entertain him. Gerald’s denial plays a crucial part in showcasing class distinction. “I don’t come in this suicide business.” Through this we can see Gerald’s influenced by his aristocratic roots and never examined his conscience by admitting his fault. To him Eva was a mistress who was pretty and could be discarded at will. Priestley is trying to show that the upper classes abused the lower classes without having any moral responsibility. People like Gerald viewed Eva as a mistress because poor women during that time had no choice but to turn to prostitution when they faced a loss of a job.

The inspector acts as a moral mouthpiece to make the audience aware that it is our personal responsibility for our own action. We need to be responsible for the society we live in. Prejudice and arrogance that exists in the older generation prevents them from being socially conscious and taking responsibility for their actions as they are influenced by their status and personal interests. The younger generation are more optimistic as they are open to new ideas and thoughts; sympathise towards the labour force; are honest to admit their faults and lastly are remorseful of their wrongdoings.