Explore how Shakespeare presents the character of Lady Macbeth as being in control in this extract

During this extract Lady Macbeth can be seen as in control through her extensive use of imperatives such as "give me the daggers!" In this sentence Lady Macbeth is subverting the traditional feminine role of a Jacobean woman by ordering her husband around and by being blood thirsty and manipulative as opposed to weak and motherly. However, it is Macbeth's reaction Lady Macbeth's imperative that highlights her control. He gives in to her demands and need to commit regicide to feed their ambition. The tones in their speech greatly oppose each other which emphasises Lady Macbeth's control over Macbeth and the plan and reinforces the switching of traditional gender roles within the marriage.

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Answered by Bethany D. English Literature tutor

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