Writing Assignment: Macbeth & Lady Macbeth Character Traits



     In, "Macbeth" by William Shakespeare, Macbeth embraces many qualities that distinguish him as having many character traits© We first get the impression that Macbeth is a brave warrior© The description of him slaying his enemy leaves a strong imprint in our mind: "he unseamed him from the nave to th'chops," he says, describing Macbeth's slaying of Macdonald ¥I©ii©¤© Further more we also get the impression that Macbeth is superstitious© He does not want to assassinate Duncan because he fears for his soul in the after life© "But here, upon this bank shoal of time, We'd jump the life to come© But in these cases we still have judgment here®"¥I©vii©¤© Additionally, Macbeth has self-doubt for himself and is loyal to a certain extent© He does not want to kill Duncan because he feels it is a dishonorable thing to kill a guest in his home© "He's here in double trust: First, as I am his kinsman and his subject, Strong both against the deed; then, as his host, Who should against his murderer shut the door, Not bear the knife myself©" ¥I©vii©¤© These are some of the many of Macbeth's character traits we have discovered throughout the first act of William Shakespeare's Macbeth©

In, "Macbeth" by William Shakespeare, Lady Macbeth also embraces many personas that distinguish her as having various character traits© Our first intuition of her is that she lusts for power and position© She is a significantly ruthless person and she will do anything to get what she wants© "I would, while it was smiling in my face, and dash'd the brains out, had I so sworn As you have done to this®We fail!" ¥I©vii©¤© Lady Macbeth also carries the trait of masculinity© She appears to put her femininity aside so she can get her business finished© "Come, you spirits That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here, And fill me from the crown to the toe top-full Of direst cruelty" ¥I©v©¤© Lady Macbeth's combination of ruthlessness and masculinity give her a controlling role in her relationship with her husband© Lady Macbeth manipulates Macbeth with amazing effectiveness, overriding all his objections© "When you durst do it, then you were a man; And, to be more than what you were, you would Be so much more the man©" ¥I©vii©¤© These are some of the many of Lady Macbeth's character traits we have revealed all through the first act of William Shakespeare's Macbeth©