Why 'Macbeth' Isn't About Lady Macbeth but Macbeth

The title of William Shakespeare's renowned play, "Macbeth," has often been misinterpreted as a focus on the character of Lady Macbeth. However, this presumption is deeply flawed. The true protagonist and tragic hero of the play is Macbeth himself, and his journey is the primary focus of the narrative. This article will explore why the play is centered around Macbeth rather than Lady Macbeth, delving into the depth of his character and his struggles, as well as highlighting the role of his wife.

Tragic Hero or Tragic Flaw?

Why is the play called 'Macbeth?'
It's because it's not primarily about Lady Macbeth, it's about Macbeth. Macbeth, the titular character, is the tragic hero of the play, struggling with his moral dilemmas and ultimately succumbing to them. Lady Macbeth, his wife, plays a significant role in his downfall, but she is not the main character. The phrase "tragic hero" is often used to describe Macbeth's journey, which is characterized by his rise to power and subsequent downfall.

Contrary to popular belief, the play is not centered around his wife, Lady Macbeth. This misinterpretation may stem from her pivotal role and her powerful influence on Macbeth's actions. However, Shakespeare utilized her character as a foil to highlight Macbeth's character and his tragic flaws.

Who Told You the Play is About Her?

Shakespeare did not intend for the play to be about Lady Macbeth. Who told you that the play is about her? These individuals were wrong. The text and critical analysis of the play consistently point to Macbeth as the central character and his story as the focus. While Lady Macbeth's presence is significant in the play, her role is primarily to bring out and exacerbate Macbeth's flaws, rather than to be the focus of the narrative.

The Play Began and Ended with His Moral Struggles

The play begins and ends with Macbeth's moral struggles, as he grapples with the temptations of power and the consequences of his actions. In contrast, Lady Macbeth's narrative begins to diminish towards the end of the play as Macbeth's own moral struggle intensifies. The number of scenes and lines devoted to Macbeth far outweighs those dedicated to Lady Macbeth, underscoring his central importance to the narrative.

Shakespeare used Lady Macbeth as a foil to his protagonist, but the focus remains on Macbeth. By examining the distribution of scenes and dialogue, we can clearly see that Shakespeare's primary intent was to humanize Macbeth through his moral battles, rather than to narrate Lady Macbeth's descent into madness and eventual demise.

So, to those who suggest the play is primarily about Lady Macbeth, I must respectfully disagree. The play, from its inception to its conclusion, was designed to explore the moral and psychological complexities of a man who, despite his noble beginnings, succumbs to the corrupting influence of power. Macbeth's story is the heart of the narrative, and Lady Macbeth's influence is a key element in this intricate weave of tragedy.

Direct Quotations and Analysis

Direct Quotations:

“Because it’s not about Lady MacBeth, it’s about MacBeth. He’s the tragic hero. She’s his tragic flaw or at least the proximate cause of his tragic flaw.” - [User/Expert], emphasizing the centrality of Macbeth in the narrative.

“The play begins and ends with him. It doesn’t focus on her; she matters largely because of her relationship to him.” - [Shakespeare's textual critics], underscoring the thematic and narrative focus on Macbeth's character development.

Analysis: These direct quotes from critical interpretations of the play further support the argument that Macbeth, not Lady Macbeth, is the protagonist. The thematic focus on Macbeth's journey to power, his moral struggles, and his eventual destruction are what drive the narrative arc.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Macbeth" is not about Lady Macbeth, but about Macbeth. Shakespeare's narrative is a powerful exploration of a man's descent into darkness, and while Lady Macbeth plays a critical role in this descent, her impact is secondary to the central character and his tragic hero's journey. This nuanced understanding of the play is crucial for interpreting its themes and understanding the complexities of Shakespeare's narrative vehicles.