Lady Macbeth, Innocent or Not

There are many different opinions on what type of woman Lady Macbeth is. Some consider her an innocent woman subjected to the evils of a man's world while many others depict her as a manipulative, heartless force that has driven a weak and unstable man to commit murder and go down the path of self-destruction. Many critics go as far as saying she uses her sexuality to influence her husband. Amanda K. Rooks sees Lady Macbeth as a “dangerous and unruly force that must be regulated, suppressed, and "mastered" to allow for the flourishing of a righteous patriarchal order”(par. 1) while Joan L. Klein views Lady Macbeth as a victim in a male dominate world. When first reading the tragedy of Macbeth, Lady Macbeth immediately comes off as a scrupulous female. However, Joan Larsen Klein, author of Lady Macbeth: “Infirm of Purpose”, believes, that despite all efforts to “unsex” herself, Lady Macbeth is unable to rise up against the dominance men have in her world. Though Lady Macbeth’s initial influence on her husband is great, as the play progresses she becomes less and less influential. Klein insinuates Lady Macbeth is too timid to carry out Duncan’s murder hence leaves the action up to Macbeth. Because Lady Macbeth does not commit Duncan’s murder, according to Joan, she is powerless. As Duncan’s murder is made public Lady Macbeth loses her “place in society and position in home.”(Klein.1) Her initial influence on her husband decreases dramatically after Macbeth successfully murders Duncan and has a boost of self-confidence. Because of this self reassurance Macbeth no longer feels obligated to include his lady in certain affairs and Lady Macbeth is no longer her husband’s “companion nor helpmate.”(par. 2) In Banquo’s ghost scene Lady Macbeth is unaware of Macbeth’s plan to murder Duncan. Because Macbeth allows his wife “no share in his new business”(Klein 2) she is no longer in charge of the preparation of Banquo’s feast as she was for Duncan’s. In an unsuccessful