Baranowski, Jordan

Yellow,cp
Davis
Into the Beast: Lady Macbeths Symbolism of Greed in The Tragedy of Macbeth
Power and greed represent two inextricable qualities. These two intertwine to form a
deadly concoction. In The Tragedy of Macbeth, Shakespeare portrays greed as shameful,and only
used to describe power hungry people such as Lady Macbeth. The qualities reveal the connection
between greed and power. The voracity leads Lady Macbeth to her downfall. The cause and
effect spark an intriguing conclusion. In The Tragedy of Macbeth by William Shakespeare, the
playwright incorporates bloody imagery to show Lady Macbeths thirst for power and her ability
to influence Macbeths decisions; Shakespeare characterizes Lady Macbeth to show how she
symbolizes greed while foreshadowing the downfall of the kingdom.
Through greed, Macbeth prevails and becomes the head of Scotland, showing how Lady
Macbeth masterminded and created the monster that both her and Macbeth became. Lady
Macbeths lust for power sets its roots in the crowning of Malcolm as heir to the throne. Our
eldest, Malcolm, whom we name hereafter the Prince of Cumberland; which honor must Not
unaccompanied invest him only (1.4.39-40). Shakespeare foreshadows how Macbeth tries to
seize power from Duncan and eventually slays him. The eventual slaying of Duncan also causes
Lady Macbeth to push the envelope. Lady Macbeth overcomes the emotions after the killing of
the king. He tells King Duncan, Stars, hide your fires, Let not light see my black and deep
desires( 1.4.50-51). Shakespeare characterizes Lady Macbeth by tricking Macbeth into doing
her bidding. Her reprobate nature leads her to accomplish dirty deeds. Greed also results in Lady
Macbeths brutal attitude towards everyone. Power continues to manifest in Lady Macbeth and

transmits to Macbeth. He states, Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown And put a barren
scepter in my gripe, Thence to be wrenched with an unlineal hand (3.2.64-65). Lady Macbeth
sarcastically exclaims her plans for both of them to rule and that Macbeth needs to mature.
Shakespeare uses a metaphor to add to the situation, leading to the couples decline.
Macbeth and Lady Macbeth use power to present a common theme of greed, by killing
off many people to achieve what they desire. Macbeth talks about becoming the head of the new
Scotland and how he aspires to become king. He asserts Commencing in a truth? I am Thane of
Cawdor (1.3.137). Lady Macbeth proves the arrogant Macbeth wrong and controls the man
into killing Duncan and becoming king. This aspiration for true power provides Lady Macbeth
with a steady thirst for more. Macbeth and his lady eventually realize their doom continues to
advance on them, causing them to react in the wrong way. Confusion now hath made his
masterpiece (2.3.40). Macduff shames and illuminates Lady Macbeth and Macbeths downfall.
The use of irony also foreshadows the chaos that might arrive, and professes his doom. Macbeth
struggles while he complains throughout his killings. My hands are of your color, but I shame to
wear a heart so white (2.2.64-65). Shakespeare creates a metaphor that compares him and his
ladys bloody hands to a white heart. The white heart also represents purity, which he and his
lady lack.
Ergo, in William Shakespeares fatal play The Tragedy of Macbeth, the main characters
greed and hunger for affluence eventually lead to an early downfall for he and Lady Macbeth.
Throughout the play, both of these characters participate in typical husband and wife arguments,
ultimately catalyzing Lady Macbeths suicide. Macbeth angers his lady causing her to react, and
carry out his dirty work. Her avarice contributes to the theme of power and how she strives to

receive it. Overcome with greed, Lady Macbeth overthrows a king, kills multiple people, and
manipulates her husband. Lady Macbeth uses greed to achieve the ultimate goal of power.
Macbeth and Lady Macbeths guilt strives from their attempts to gain the power of the throne.