A Character Analysis on Macbeth/Othello and Lady Macbeth/ Desdemona

As one of Shakespeare's most alarming yet notorious female characters, Lady Macbeth, the decreasing power of the lead male complements the increasing power of the lead female. In this Shakespearean play, the title character Macbeth appears quite the ambitious warrior up front by way of the captain's description presented to Duncan. He describes how the brave and fearless Macbeth, in his Batman-and Robin stint alongside his mighty sidekick, Banquo, conquered the dishonest Macdonald (I.ii.). Apparently, Macbeth had earned this status before self-doubt intruded, forcing him to question whether or not he still wishes to be king any longer. This is proven when he hesitates, due to the socially accepted spirituality of witches at the time, and soon refuses to kill in order to become king. He next becomes completely saturated in the prophesies of these three witches. He no longer shows any gall to act or react on his own. From here, this play becomes the Lady Macbeth play. Lady Macbeth exposes more masculine qualities from the beginning of the play.

From one angle, readers might understand that she is taking advantage of what she can. However, just as much proof exists to substantiate her character as malicious. Ambiguity, in this sense, is one of Shakespeare's trademarks. Insomuch as Lady Macbeth holds a fiercely dominant position in this play, Wollmann also goes so far as to declare that “Lady Macbeth is one of Shakespeare's most famous and frightening female characters.” Throughout this play, her appetite for power escalates. This achieves both the status of a weak character for Macbeth as well as a dominant character for the lady. By the end, a combination of her greed and demand for power consumes her. However, also by the end of this play, both the title character and Lady Macbeth portray victimizers as well as victims.

Desdemona from Othello proves to be the play's guide. Shakespeare's female characters are as boldly defined and portray socially upstanding as well as deviant characters, but these qualities complement (by opposition) those of the villain, Iago. Granted, Shakespeare's male characters hold a more distinguished control of his plays' actions in general to mirror the common standard men were mandated to uphold in his society at that time. Nonetheless, Shakespeare reflects depth inside nearly every characterization in every play. This Shakespearian play portrays mainly an escalation of Iago's deception in utilizing most other characters as his pawns, and his feminine qualities to achieve such a feat. These qualities will be exposed alongside those of Lady Macbeth.

In early 1606, when plots against King James were abundant, Shakespeare produced Macbeth. Shakespeare demonstrates consistently through this play what the King feared most, being killed. However, the killers are tormented and destroyed by the end, sending “a message that the King's legacy cannot be conquered” (Journal for MultiMedia History). This play can be easily understood as a means to please the King, but there are deeper messages, such topics as guilt, where it may be applied and ...