"And fill me, from the crown to the toe, top-full of direst cruelty!"
Reading Lady Macbeth's soliloquy tells the reader a lot about Lady Macbeth, Macbeth, and their relationship. Traditionally, Lady Macbeth contradicts the entire image of what a women was back then, and instead displays aggressiveness, determination, and ambition. All of these characteristics are the opposites of what a woman should have been- gentle, patient, kind. The overall image of women would be somebody who is kept out of conflict and is left behind the scene. The introduction of Lady Macbeth's character does provide a twist, as she becomes the very person who devises the plan to kill the king. Furthermore, she displays her boldness by encouraging husband to perform the deed and even attempts to make the deed justifiable. And in the long run, she's the one who finishes the scheme, as she had to go back to smear blood all over the servants, because Macbeth cowered out. Despite the evil intentions, I do enjoy Lady Macbeth's presence in the story. I like how her character as a whole pushes the limitations and expectations that readers put on women, and leaves them surprised by her boldness. She clearly displays how powerful women can be, especially when it comes to their husbands. Plus, without her, the story could have easily ended with Macbeth being the Thane of Cawdor, and the king lives on. That would have been a bore. But overall, one thing is clear- Lady Macbeth is the man in the relationship.
