Lady Macbeth's Unchecked Ambition

While Shakespeare is obviously one of the most well known and influential writers ever, I've always had an issue with his play Macbeth. When I first read it in seventh grade, I decided that maybe I didn't like it because I simply didn't get it, being a seventh grader; however, after recently rereading it in an attempt to change my mind and see a new side to the book, I found my opinion unchanged. While clearly famous for its portrayal of the consequences of unchecked ambition and its commentary on the human experience, Macbeth fails to properly address women. Unless the lack of developed female characters in the play is meant to be a sly comment on the dismissal of women in society, Macbeth has failed at conveying the complex expectations and pressures that are so prevalent in Lady Macbeth’s life.