What is the significance of Lady Macbeth's speech in Macbeth?

Lady Macbeth's speech contains a variety of techniques used to elucidate her descent into madness. We can see this when she states: "out, damn spot, out!". Shakespeare's utilisation of repetition highlights the overwhelming anger and fear Lady Macbeth is experiencing, and this is further supported by the reality that the spot does not exist, juxtaposing Lady Macbeth's wild and erratic fantasies. Moreover, the symbolism of the spot as an antithesis to Lady Macbeth's evil nature can be said to be symbolic of King Duncan, whom she wanted dead in order to fulfil her desires for power and wealth. Contextually, Shakespeare's portrayal of Lady Macbeth as the dominant force in her marriage to Macbeth would have critiqued and contradicted the stereotypical Jacobean image of women as housewives and overall submissive to their husbands. Shakespeare does this to examine this stereotype and challenge it, in order to interest and engage viewers.

HL
Answered by Harvey L. English tutor

4712 Views

See similar English GCSE tutors

Related English GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the importance of Kingship, in Macbeth?


How does Fitzgerald create dramatic tension leading up to Gatsby's first appearance in 'The Great Gatsby'?


How should I approach an unseen poem for an exam?


"Guys like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world. They got no family. They don’t belong no place. . . " How true is this statement with regards to the relationships presented in Steinbeck's 'Of Mice and Men'


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning