Lady Macbeth: Fact vs Fiction

Who is Lady Macbeth in Shakespeare's play "Macbeth"?

a) Lady Macbeth is innocent and virtuous
b) Lady Macbeth is a supportive spouse
c) Lady Macbeth is ambitious and manipulative
d) Lady Macbeth is a historical figure descended into guilt and madness

Answer:

c) Lady Macbeth is ambitious and manipulative

Lady Macbeth, as portrayed in Shakespeare's play "Macbeth", is characterized as ambitious and manipulative. She is depicted as a woman who encourages her husband to commit heinous acts in order to fulfill their ambitions.

Shakespeare's fictional Lady Macbeth is a stark contrast to the historical figure of Lady Macbeth, Gruoch of Scotland. The historical Lady Macbeth is not known to have been involved in murderous plots or to have descended into guilt and madness as shown in the play.

It is important to differentiate between the fictional portrayal of Lady Macbeth by Shakespeare and the historical figure to understand the complexities of this character better.