Lady Macbeth’s most famous line is “Come you spirits, That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here.” This powerful statement is uttered by Lady Macbeth in Act 1, Scene 5 of Shakespeare’s play Macbeth. In this soliloquy, Lady Macbeth calls upon supernatural forces to rid her of her feminine qualities and replace them with the ruthless determination necessary to carry out the murderous plan she and her husband have devised.
The line “Come you spirits, That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here” encapsulates Lady Macbeth’s desire to be stripped of her feminine nature and transformed into a cold-hearted, unyielding figure capable of committing any act necessary to achieve her ambitions. She believes that being a woman is a hindrance to her goals and that she needs the courage and cruelty traditionally associated with masculinity to carry out the regicidal plot.
This line showcases Lady Macbeth’s ambition and her willingness to go to extreme lengths to ensure the success of their plan. It also highlights her belief in the supernatural and her willingness to invoke dark powers to aid her cause. Lady Macbeth’s desire to be “unsexed” demonstrates her rejection of traditional gender roles and her embrace of a more assertive and dominant persona.
Another famous line from Lady Macbeth is “Look like th’innocent flower, But be the serpent under’t.” This quote, spoken in Act 1, Scene 5, reveals Lady Macbeth’s cunning and manipulative nature. She advises Macbeth to appear innocent and trustworthy to others, while secretly concealing their sinister intentions. This line reflects Lady Macbeth’s ability to deceive and manipulate others to further their own ambitions.
In Act 1, Scene 7, Lady Macbeth confronts her husband, asking him, “What beast was’t then, That made you break this enterprise to me?” This line showcases Lady Macbeth’s determination and her role as the driving force behind the murder plot. She questions Macbeth’s commitment and bravery, challenging him to explain his hesitation and doubt.
In Act 2, Scene 2, Lady Macbeth utters the line “Tis the eye of childhood, That fears a painted devil.” Here, Lady Macbeth dismisses Macbeth’s guilt and fear as mere childishness. She encourages him to overcome his conscience and embrace their actions without remorse or hesitation.
In Act 3, Scene 2, Lady Macbeth asks the rhetorical question, “What’s to be done?” This line highlights Lady Macbeth’s pragmatism and her ability to quickly adapt to changing circumstances. She is always focused on finding solutions and achieving their goals, regardless of the consequences.
Lady Macbeth’s most famous lines reveal her ambition, ruthlessness, cunning, and determination. She is a complex character who is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve power and success, even if it means sacrificing her own morality and femininity.