In William Shakespeare’s tragedy Macbeth, Lady Macbeth plays a significant role in influencing her husband’s actions and decisions. One of the most memorable moments between the couple is when Lady Macbeth chides Macbeth for his hesitation and apparent weakness. Her scolding is not mere anger; it is a calculated attempt to push him toward committing the murder of King Duncan. This scene reveals much about their relationship, Lady Macbeth’s ambitious nature, and the psychological manipulation she employs to achieve their shared goals.
Understanding the Context
Before Lady Macbeth’s chiding takes place, the couple has already discussed the witches’ prophecy that Macbeth will become king. Lady Macbeth, upon hearing the prophecy and knowing her husband’s ambitious nature, fears that he is too full o’ the milk of human kindness to take the necessary steps to claim the throne. She resolves to persuade him to act decisively, even if it means committing a grave crime.
When the Chiding Occurs
The moment Lady Macbeth chides her husband comes in Act 1, Scene 7, when Macbeth begins to have second thoughts about murdering Duncan. He weighs the moral consequences, the loyalty he owes the king, and the possible fallout from such a violent act. Seeing his hesitation, Lady Macbeth launches into a forceful speech that attacks his courage and manhood.
The Reasons Behind Lady Macbeth’s Chiding
Lady Macbeth’s criticism of Macbeth is not random it stems from her strong desire for power and her belief that Macbeth must be ruthless to achieve greatness. Her chiding focuses on several key points.
1. Questioning His Courage
One of Lady Macbeth’s most cutting tactics is to challenge Macbeth’s bravery. She suggests that if he fails to follow through with the murder, it proves he is a coward. This psychological strategy is meant to wound his pride and push him toward action.
2. Accusing Him of Breaking a Promise
Lady Macbeth reminds Macbeth of his earlier willingness to commit the murder. She frames his hesitation as a betrayal of his word, making it a matter of honor as well as ambition.
3. Equating Action with Manhood
Perhaps the most famous element of her chiding is when she equates Macbeth’s willingness to act with his masculinity. She argues that to be a man, he must be bold enough to seize what he desires, regardless of moral consequences.
Key Lines That Show Lady Macbeth’s Chiding
Shakespeare gives Lady Macbeth some of her most memorable lines in this confrontation
- When you durst do it, then you were a man – She tells Macbeth that his manhood depends on his willingness to commit the murder.
- Art thou afeard / To be the same in thine own act and valor / As thou art in desire? – She accuses him of lacking the courage to match his ambitions.
- I have given suck, and know / How tender ’tis to love the babe that milks me / I would, while it was smiling in my face, / Have plucked my nipple from his boneless gums / And dashed the brains out, had I so sworn as you / Have done to this. – This shocking image is meant to show her absolute commitment to a promise, no matter how horrifying.
The Manipulation Behind Her Words
Lady Macbeth’s chiding is a masterclass in psychological manipulation. She uses guilt, shame, and emotional provocation to break down Macbeth’s resistance. Her strategy includes
- Emotional Provocation– She stirs feelings of shame by suggesting he is less of a man if he refuses.
- Reframing Hesitation as Weakness– She makes his moral doubts seem like signs of cowardice.
- Offering a Clear Plan– Alongside her chiding, she reassures him that the murder can be done safely if they follow her plan.
Why This Chiding Matters in the Play
The scene where Lady Macbeth chides her husband is a turning point in the play. Before this, Macbeth’s ambition is strong but tempered by morality. After this exchange, Lady Macbeth’s words tip the scales, and he commits to killing Duncan. Her influence here sets the entire tragic sequence of events into motion.
Impact on Macbeth’s Character Arc
Before the chiding, Macbeth is torn between ambition and loyalty. After, he resolves to follow through with the murder. This marks the beginning of his transformation into a ruthless ruler, showing how external influence can shape internal resolve.
Impact on Lady Macbeth’s Character Arc
Lady Macbeth’s boldness here contrasts with her later unraveling. Early in the play, she is the stronger partner, pushing her husband to act. However, as guilt consumes them both, her mental strength deteriorates, leading to her tragic downfall.
Themes Connected to Lady Macbeth’s Chiding
This moment ties directly into several central themes of Macbeth.
Ambition
Lady Macbeth embodies unrestrained ambition. Her scolding of Macbeth reveals her willingness to abandon moral principles to achieve power.
Gender Roles
Her questioning of Macbeth’s masculinity reflects the Elizabethan idea that manhood was tied to bravery and decisive action. She challenges traditional gender expectations by taking on an aggressive, dominant role in their relationship.
Moral Corruption
Lady Macbeth’s manipulation shows how ambition can lead to moral compromise. Her ability to twist values like loyalty, honor, and courage into tools for justifying murder highlights the corrupting nature of unchecked desire.
How Audiences Perceive the Chiding
Different productions of Macbeth portray this scene in varied ways. Some emphasize Lady Macbeth’s cruelty, while others highlight her desperation. Modern audiences may see her as both a manipulative partner and a woman trapped in a world where power requires ruthless action.
In Traditional Productions
- Lady Macbeth is often portrayed as cold and calculating.
- The chiding is sharp, with little room for tenderness.
In Modern Interpretations
- Some portrayals add emotional complexity, showing that her chiding comes from fear of losing their chance at greatness.
- Others show her as a tragic figure whose ambition blinds her to the cost of their actions.
Lessons from Lady Macbeth’s Chiding
This confrontation offers timeless insights into human behavior
- Ambition can override moral judgment when pushed by external pressure.
- Emotional manipulation can be a powerful motivator, but it often comes with destructive consequences.
- Unchecked desire for power can set a chain of events that lead to personal ruin.
Lady Macbeth chides Macbeth because she sees his hesitation as a threat to their shared ambition. She questions his courage, attacks his masculinity, and accuses him of breaking his word all to push him toward murdering Duncan. This moment is pivotal in Macbeth, revealing her influence over him and the dangerous power of manipulation. Ultimately, her scolding shapes the course of the tragedy, proving that words can be as sharp and deadly as any dagger.