Thematic Perspectives on Macbeth

James Illius Mr. Toner English 12 3 February 2009 Thematic Perspectives on Macbeth In “Physcoanalytical Criticism,” Karin Thomson writes that the loss Lady Macbeth endures, by the loss of her child or children, causes the concealment of her true character, disclosed only during her subconscious mind frame. During her sleep, lady Macbeth would sleepwalk recalling her involement during the assassination scheme, repeatedly trying to wash the horrific blood off of her hands. This water though cannot embellish the deed that “cannot be undone”. Concious, Lady Macbeth is calm and collect when preparing for the murder and is seen multiple times throughout the play before her end. She talks to her husband, domineering and manipulative to lower him to her level of morals and rewards his brutal use of power. Though each act of power he misuses torments her during her subconscious state, eventually leading to her abrupt suicide, leaving her never able to deal with the loss of her child. In “Christian Perspectives” Jane Kingsley-Smith states that all of the characters of the play choose a side of good vs. evil. Macbeth and lady Macbeth, having acted upon the prophecies with the deeds, they have chosen the side opposed to the heavens. Duncan, Malcolm, Macduff and Banquo, having chosenthe side of good, oppose Macbeth and his wife from keeping the crown, reflecting the biblical battle of heaven vs. hell. Macbeth and his wife gain transient lead, but in the end shortly after the loss of his wife, he loses his life in the final battle. In “Macbeth and Feminism.” by Dr. Caroline Cakebread, she states that the effects ofLady Macbeth’s over powering feminine influences over Macbeth’s Works Cited Cakebread, Dr. Caroline. “Macbeth and Feminism.” The Shakespeare Institute. 29 January 2009 . Kingsley-Smith, Jane. “Christian Perspectives on Macbeth. “The Shakespeare Institute. 29 January 2009 www.shakespeare.bham.ac.uk/. Ropp, Wiatt. “Macbeth and Ideology.” The Shakespeare

Cited: Cakebread, Dr. Caroline. “Macbeth and Feminism.” The Shakespeare Institute. 29 January 2009 . Kingsley-Smith, Jane. “Christian Perspectives on Macbeth. “The Shakespeare Institute. 29 January 2009 www.shakespeare.bham.ac.uk/. Ropp, Wiatt. “Macbeth and Ideology.” The Shakespeare Institute. 29 January 2009 .